Transforming Transit: Meet Tim Gianfrancesco
Tim Gianfrancesco, PE, leads critical transit and rail infrastructure programs in our New York City office. With extensive experience delivering large capital projects in dense urban environments from design through implementation, Tim’s expertise makes him an invaluable asset on our team as we continue to mold future transit solutions across the NY Metro region.
Given your experience working in NYC, what are some of the unique challenges of designing transit projects in dense urban environments, and how have you navigated those complexities?
In my extensive experience working in New York City, I’ve learned that designing transit solutions requires meticulous planning and communication. Our designs focus on minimizing impacts to adjacent structures, traffic and businesses as much as possible. If impacts are unavoidable, we are transparent and realistic about their timing and severity. When developing the schedule for a mega-project, it’s important to account for the time and effort it takes to maintain adjacent rail, transit, pedestrian and vehicular traffic services.
To make sure we’re communicating effectively, we establish task forces and develop workshops between our team and various stakeholders, using these meetings to share information, concerns and progress. We coordinate with utility companies to jointly develop solutions and timelines so we can avoid surprises and unrealistic expectations. We also thoroughly outline things like work hours, noise, vibration and dust to mitigate impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. Working closely with all of our community partners is the best way to deliver a successful program.
How does transit infrastructure create transformative opportunities for communities, and how has this influenced your approach to your work?
Transit can transform a city’s landscape, redefining where people live, how they move and the opportunities they access. We look at each project holistically to secure a more vibrant outcome, striving to create reinvigorated streetscapes with better visibility, improved intersections and inclusive shared spaces. To promote public involvement, we connect with local schools to set up job fairs and internship programs. I’m proud to have played an important role in large capital programs here in New York — like my work on the Second Avenue Subway (SAS) Phase 1 project when I was with the MTA — that exemplify how new transit infrastructure can enhance existing networks and provide vital connections to underserved communities.
What motivates you the most in your work? What brings you inspiration?
I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to apply my past experiences and lessons learned to make a lasting difference for communities across New York City. It’s humbling to know that our work promotes sustainable legacies by creating energy-efficient solutions, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving resiliency and overall outcomes around the city. In the end, I’m proud to be a part of projects that connect people sustainably and equitably, unlocking new opportunities for themselves and their families.
What does the future of transit in NYC look like and what possibilities are you most excited for?
I’m excited by several transformative projects happening today and on the horizon which will have a profound impact on the communities they serve. One such project is with New York City Transit, where many existing stations are being made more ADA compliant, so all passengers have easier access. Meanwhile, the Gateway Hudson Tunnel project will increase resiliency by building a new connection between New York and New Jersey and rehabilitating the existing Northeast Corridor (NEC) tunnels.
New forms of transit — such as the introduction of light rail in New York City — offer the exciting possibility of expanding the existing rail corridor, creating new destinations and providing value to areas in need. I look forward to leaning on my experience and delivering the types of large capital projects needed to connect neighborhoods and expand opportunities for travelers throughout the boroughs.