Tren Urbano San Juan, Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras Underground Stations
The Puerto Rico Tren Urbano
The Rio Piedras Contract, part of the Tren Urbano Rapid Rail Transit Project in San Juan, Puerto Rico, encompasses two underground heavy rail stations and connecting tunnels. As a Federal Transit Administration Demonstration Project, this design-build contract was instrumental in establishing Puerto Rico’s first rapid transit rail system. The Rio Piedras Station, located in the historic district, features stacked drift tunnels with deep shafts and cut-and-cover entrances, requiring meticulous urban design and historic preservation. The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Station, a modern cut-and-cover station, integrates historic urban elements with contemporary university architecture. Both stations prioritize functionality, cultural relevance, and sustainable construction techniques.
RIo Piedras UndergrounD Stations
Anil Verma Associates, Inc. (AVA) served as the Architect of Record, Urban Designer, and Inspector of Record for the project, working within a joint venture team. AVA’s responsibilities included architecture, urban design, engineering coordination, and construction management. Specific contributions included:
- Rio Piedras Station: AVA reduced construction costs by redesigning ancillary equipment spaces, reducing 80 feet of cut-and-cover construction. The team also collaborated with the local community and State Historic Preservation Office to develop façade designs that harmonize with the historic Plaza de Recreo and the mixed-use neighborhood.
- University of Puerto Rico Station: AVA reconfigured station layouts to improve ventilation and optimize construction. The station’s design blended historic preservation with modern elements, incorporating glass, steel, and concrete to complement the campus’s newer buildings.
Gallery
