Octavio "Gus" Valverde began working on the Project only a couple of months ago, but brings a tremendous amount of experience with him. In fact, he's already participated in the Purple Line Extension from initial demolition all the way through tunnel construction—for Section 1 of the extension, that is, from Koreatown through Miracle Mile.
Octavio first worked in highway construction for about 15 years before joining Purple Line Extension Section 1 when it started in June 2015. His work took him further and further underground, working near the twin TBMs, until he served as a Ring Builder erecting the concrete rings that surround the subterranean tunnels.
"It's like being in a submarine," Octavio says of working underneath the earth.
Now with FKTP, Octavio is a Tunnel Shifter and has been busy preparing the launch area for the Section 3 TBMs. Having worked on so many aspects of the tunnel-building process already, Octavio hopes to become a TBM operator himself. He enjoys learning new skills and taking on new challenges.
"Keep pushing yourself," he advises anyone interested in pursuing or advancing their career in construction. "Set your mind to it and be open to learn."
Octavio Valverde
