Based in Bellevue, Washington, Garrod has spent the past eight years leading construction management work on Sound Transit’s $3.7 billion East Link Extension light rail line, which opened its first segment April 27. The new line is one of five light rail and streetcar projects Garrod has been part of ushering into revenue service. Over his decades in the industry, he has served as a Train Maintenance Manager, Rail Vehicle Engineer, Final Design Lead, and Construction Manager for major systems and civil construction projects.
“I was at the opening of the East Link line in April, and Justin’s energy and enthusiasm was infectious,” Global Transit Director Matt Tucker said. “There are few people who are more excited about coming to work every day, and it shows. His contributions have been invaluable to Sound Transit for years, and I’m thrilled that he’ll now use that leadership and technical expertise in a larger role.”
Garrod came up on the delivery side of the industry, working for rail and transit clients and gathering a resume of practical experience that has served him well as he helps those same agencies navigate the challenges he has already faced. In his new role, Garrod will work with HDR’s transit, freight rail, program management, and field services leadership to spread best practices in construction management, build teams, and deliver construction management work across North America.
“Transit and rail construction management encompasses all aspects of contract delivery from contract administration, construction inspection, safety, quality, environmental, testing, and commissioning to rail activation and entry into revenue service,” Garrod said. “We bring the expertise and passion to get this job done right. We focus on the fundamentals and bring a collaborative team that works with the contractor, engineer, and stakeholders to solve problems, look ahead to potential issues, and proactively identify mitigations.”
