Leading a division of 175 professional engineers and talented field staff, Robert directed Seattle’s multimodal traffic operations program during one of the most transformative periods in the agency’s history.   Joining SDOT from the private sector, he was charged with transforming an auto-centric traffic team into a multi-modal planning and operations team; changing the oft-too industry common “NO-TO-EVERYTHING” approach to municipal traffic operations into a “WE-CAN-SOLVE-THAT” program.

Under Robert’s direct leadership, SDOT’s Traffic Management Division led and collaborated on significant achievements:

• Established a revised Strategic Mobility Plan for Central Seattle
• Facilitated implementation of first Seattle Streetcar line into South Lake Union (SLU light rail), converting street designs from primary auto-oriented streets to ones that served primarily transit, rail, pedestrian, and bicycle access.
• Expanded the world-famous Seattle bicycle and pedestrian trail system, including completion of the Burke-Gilman Trail extension to Shilshole Bay through Ballard, creating an opportunity for a western trailhead.
• Full replacement of existing single-space mechanical parking meter system, implementing modern multi-space kiosks, allowing for credit card payments, and modernization of the antiquated parking management policies and establishment of the SDOT Parking Management Program.
• Expansion of parking management system, increasing the total number of on-street parking spaces under meter control and supplementing SDOT’s alternative non-tax revenue.
• Participation in and approval of the engineering planning and design for replacement of the SR99/Alaskan Way Viaduct through downtown Seattle, replacing a double decker bridge structure with a single-bore tunnel and surface arterial.