Harris County bus shelter improvements

Background

Woolpert was contracted by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) to provide professional engineering services for three bus stop improvement work authorizations (WAs). METRO identified 60 existing bus stops in WA 1, 203 bus stops in WA 5, and 155 bus stops in WA 11, for a total of 418 locations in fiscal years 2019 and 2020. These bus stops needed improvements to meet current METRO and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Challenge

Because these METRO bus stops were designed and built over multiple years—including some prior to congressional passage of the ADA—some bus stops required more improvements than others to be compliant.

Solution

Woolpert obtained as-built drawings for each site before using the City of Houston’s Geographic Information and Management System maps and Harris Central Appraisal District data to determine existing right of way (ROW) and other conditions at each site. Woolpert team members conducted site visits to determine the feasibility for construction of necessary improvements. Topographic surveys were not obtained for each bus stop; therefore, Woolpert took sufficient measurements with a smart level and measuring tape to identify the site and approximate ROW locations.

Additionally, Woolpert prepared a signed and sealed design drawing for each site in compliance with METRO’s general guidelines and ADA requirements. The drawings included a north arrow, approximate ROW lines, existing features, proposed improvements, a legend of existing and proposed features, remarks for the contractor, general notes, estimated quantities, a map showing the general location of the bus stop, and working points for horizontal control from permanent objects or clearly identified control base points.

Outcome

Woolpert coordinated with METRO to assure all related tasks and required services were performed and completed as required. Woolpert team members attended design meetings to review all existing conditions, data obtained, and recommended improvements for each site. Depending on the current status of a specific bus stop included in the Bus Stop Improvement Program, the required improvements ranged from the following: adding signage designation at a METRO stop with the route number(s) of buses servicing it; a concrete access pad to facilitate level boarding from the pad to the bus; an ADA ramp; a sidewalk to the bus stop to enable passengers with physical disabilities to access the bus stop; a bench; a shelter structure that encloses the bench on three sides; a trash receptacle; and adequate drainage to prevent the bus stop from having standing water during and after storms.

Benefits

Completion of improvements at each site provided METRO riders with new signage containing the current route number of the buses serving each stop. Physical improvements to the sidewalk, bus pad, and ramp made accessing the bus stops safer and easier for riders with disabilities, especially those who use a walker or wheelchair. New benches and see-through shelters provide a safer, more comfortable place for all riders to await their METRO bus, especially during rain. (375149/CivilTech Legacy)