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New transit transfer station approved for construction

The City of Huntsville is committed to improving and growing its public transportation system with the construction of a new transit transfer station.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville City Council voted Thursday to allow Mayor Tommy Battle to enter into an agreement with Consolidated Construction Company to build 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.

Transit Manager John Autry says the new and bigger station will allow for more growth possibilities. "The existing transit center here is just too small", Autry says. "So the the new transit center will have within about a year will accommodate expansion over the next 15 years."

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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.

"The thing I like the most is they'll be a green space right down the middle of the transit platform, kind of a attractive garden area, where where people can can wait in aesthetically pleasing environment," Autry says. "They'll be places for Uber and Lyft to be able to pick up and drop off and things like that.

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.

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“This is a great example of what we can accomplish through strong collaboration with our federal partners,” Mayor 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.”

About the station

The new transit transfer station will offer significant safety upgrades but also focus on riders’ comfort and convenience. It will feature a security fence around the perimeter and an upgraded video surveillance system.

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.

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