HUNTSVILLE – Consolidated Construction has been awarded the contract to build a transfer station downtown for Huntsville Transit.
The Huntsville City Council voted Thursday to allow Mayor Tommy Battle to enter into an agreement with Consolidated for the 3,800-square-foot facility at 521 Pratt Ave. The site of the new station is adjacent to the current facility on Church Street.
The station reinforces the city’s commitment to improving and growing its public transportation system.
The project was made possible by a $12.5 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration, which will cover 80% of the cost with the City funding the remainder. Last year, the Council approved an agreement with Fuqua & Partners Architects for the design.
“This is a great example of what we can accomplish through strong collaboration with our federal partners,” Battle said. “This new transfer station will take our public transportation efforts to the next level and emphasize our commitment to not only growing Huntsville Transit, but also improving operations.”
Per the contract, work will begin within 10 days of the contractor receiving a notice to proceed, with completion occurring no later than 365 days after the start of construction.
When the new station opens, the old station will become a bus cleaning, fueling and service center.
About the station
The new transit transfer station will offer significant safety upgrades but also focus on riders’ comfort and convenience, the city said in a news release. It will feature a security fence around the perimeter and an upgraded video surveillance system.
“Our customers value operational efficiency, but their safety is also critical,” said Quisha Bryant, director of Huntsville’s Department of Parking and Public Transportation. “The new station really accentuates those priorities. We hope our current and future riders embrace it, and we thank the Federal Transit Authority for making it possible.”
The building will include a waiting area for riders with comfortable seating and ports to charge mobile devices. The interior will also have a separate break area for employees and a ticket office.
Outside, the new station will feature a 400-foot-long bus platform and an office for the platform manager. The 45-foot bus bays will accommodate larger buses and be covered to protect riders from inclement weather. Electronic signs will provide real-time information on arrivals and departures.
The station will also include a dedicated area for ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft.
For information about Huntsville Transit operations, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Transit.
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