The Hurontario light rail transit (LRT) project will provide an environmentally friendly and reliable method of transportation between Mississauga and Brampton. The 18-kilometer-long, CAD$ 13 million project includes constructing a new operations, maintenance, and servicing facility; 14 traction power substations; 16 intermediate LRT stops; and three large terminus stations, of which one is underground. Arcadis was tasked with conducting the track alignment, structure, drainage design, in addition to route-wide ducting design. They needed close cross-discipline collaboration on this complex project, with a team located across six different time zones.

After previous methods proved difficult and time-consuming, Arcadis converted all 3D modeling to OpenRail Designer, enabling a semi-automated workflow that significantly reduced modeling time and improved visualization. With all models housed in ProjectWise, data management and communication includingduring throughoutthe COVID-19 pandemic was enhanced. OpenRail Designer quadrupled the speed at which they could adjust 3D design models, while dynamic visualization capabilities helped team members identify and resolve clashes.