Justin Garrod Named Transit and Rail Construction Management Lead

Justin Garrod, PMP, CCM, has been named leader of HDR’s transit and rail construction management practice. Transit, commuter rail and freight rail projects combine some of the most complex construction elements into a single project. With both horizontal track and vertical elements at stations, these projects require a specialized combination of experience and technical know-how. 

Based in Bellevue, Washington, Justin 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,” said Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “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 an impressive resume of practical experience that has served him well as he helps those same agencies navigate the challenges he’s 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 strong teams and deliver industry-leading 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.”