Transportation Hub Plans Move Forward

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey held two public hearings regarding the environmental review for the World Trade Center Transportation Hub.

The project design concept by architect Santiago Calatrava was unveiled in January. The proposed transportation hub would include a permanent World Trade Center PATH terminal with a track and platform level, a mezzanine level, and access to streets surrounding the World Trade Center site.

Runway Improvements Planned for LaGuardia

Beds made of specially designed aerated cement blocks that crumble under the weight of an aircraft to stop a plane safely and quickly in the even of an emergency will be installed in safety areas at one end of each of LaGuardia Airport's two runways under an action taken by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey board of commissioners.

The Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a technology pioneered by the Port Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration, has proven effective at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Installation of the runway 22 EMAS is planned for the fall. Installation of the runway 13 EMAS will begin in spring 2005. The project's total cost is estimated at $20.8 million.

PB to Do Transit Inspection Work

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been awarded a contract to perform worldwide inspections of track, vehicle, signaling, structural steel and miscellaneous transit equipment components for MTA New York City Transit.

The contract is being performed on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., which is serving as the prime contractor for New York City Transit.

As the worldwide inspection consultant, PB is responsible for developing inspection plans and procedures, performing the inspections and participating in quality audits of fabricators and suppliers. In addition, PB will analyze and evaluate current New York City Transit standards, specifications and procurement drawings and will recommend enhancements to the existing standards. The firm will also participate in presentations on the program to end users, shop supervisors and department heads within the MTA.

Vollmer to Design NJ Street Work

Vollmer Associates has been awarded a contract by the Jersey City Engineering Department to design streetscape and roadway improvements along Monticello Avenue, in the Bergen/Lafayette section of Jersey City, adjacent to Journal Square.

The $1.25 million project entails streetscape enhancements and traffic calming measures, such as textured surface and new traffic marking patterns at street crossings, new colored concrete sidewalks and curbs, decorative tree pits, and milling and paving.

Vollmer will be providing civil engineering and landscape architecture services for the project and will perform construction inspection. Construction will begin by the end of 2004 and is expected to be completed fall 2005.