Case Study: Metropolitan Council achieves effective project controls and reduces cost and schedule risk with Trimble e-Builder

Metropolitan Council Managing Project Risks through the Establishment of Effective Project Controls

The Metropolitan Council faced the challenge of delivering the 11-mile Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (CCLRT) — a $956.9M FTA New Starts program with heavy federal oversight, complex design and construction interfaces, and significant cost and schedule risk. To retain funding and meet FTA requirements the agency needed rigorous project controls, clearer change management and better visibility across multiple contractors and stakeholders.

The CCPO established an integrated Project Controls unit, implemented structured business processes (configuration/change management, IMPS scheduling, bottoms-up estimating and risk‑based planning) and standardized technology tools including e-Builder and Primavera P6. Combined with a LONP/LNTP contracting strategy, these measures delivered measurable results: all construction contracts were awarded about 5% below budget (keeping contingency intact), RFI turnaround times dropped to less than a quarter of previous averages, and the program maintained the schedule and budget discipline needed to pursue revenue service.

Metropolitan Council

Patrick Watz

Project Manager