How can large-scale infrastructure programs ensure accessibility, efficiency and consistency across hundreds of active projects?

Colleen Clear is transforming transportation infrastructure one train station at a time. 

As construction manager on Amtrak’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Stations Program, Colleen oversees a growing portfolio of accessibility projects designed to enhance safety, mobility and independence for millions of passengers. From coordinating complex teams to standardizing processes across dozens of concurrent initiatives, her leadership confirms that each project meets high standards of precision and performance. 

Advancing accessibility across America’s rail network 

Since joining the Amtrak ADA Stations Program in 2019, Colleen has led accessibility improvements at stations nationwide. This large-scale, multi-year program is positively impacting hundreds of communities. 

Jacobs, as part of a joint venture with AECOM, supports Amtrak across all aspects of the program from design through construction. Colleen leads the construction phase, managing projects from award to final completion and confirming each station meets federal accessibility standards. 

Today, she oversees two deputy construction managers, 22 contracting officer’s technical representatives (COTRs) and 87 active projects — and these numbers will grow as the program expands. 

“We’re working with Amtrak to create stations that serve everyone,” Colleen explains. “Each improvement removes barriers and connects people to opportunity, making travel more accessible for all.” 

From the field to program leadership 

Colleen’s journey with Jacobs began in the traffic and intelligent transportation systems group after graduating from college. Eager to gain hands-on experience, she transitioned into construction management, where her introduction to rail projects sparked a lasting interest. 

“I fell in love with track work,” she says. “The level of precision required and the complexity of the systems make it incredibly rewarding.” 

That passion ultimately led her to the Amtrak ADA Stations Program, where she advanced from a COTR to deputy construction manager and now serves as construction manager. 

Scaling a program for national impact 

As the program has grown, so has Colleen’s role. She plays a critical role in establishing program standards that provide consistency and quality across projects nationwide. This ranges from providing standardized procedures and supporting onboarding for new staff, to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the program lifecycle through reporting to Amtrak leadership and the Federal Railroad Administration. 

Delivering precision that transforms lives  

For Colleen, the impact of her work extends far beyond construction sites. Each completed project improves mobility and independence for travelers across the country by expanding equitable access to public transportation. 

She credits her passion for construction to her upbringing. 

“My dad was a contractor, so I grew up around construction,” she says. “Being in the field and solving problems just feels natural to me.” 

Today, she continues to thrive in the dynamic environment she loves, balancing technical precision with strategic leadership to deliver meaningful outcomes for Amtrak and the communities it serves. 

“I’ve always loved the precision of construction. Whether it’s track work or accessibility compliance, even a fraction of an inch matters,” explains Colleen. “Delivering that level of accuracy ensures passengers can safely and confidently access the stations they rely on every day.”