Passenger Information Display System, New York Penn Station
To meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, Amtrak replaced the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) on the main concourse of New York Penn Station, one of the nation’s busiest rail stations. Urban Engineers of New York, D.P.C. served as Construction Manager during installation of the new PIDS. The current PIDS had to remain fully functional throughout the project. The PIDS provides train numbers and names, scheduled and estimated departure and arrival times, boarding status, boarding locations, and destination lists. The system is comprised of electronic (variable messaging) signs and audio components to provide passengers with train status in both visual and aural formats, in conformance with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.
Our role involved monitoring work to verify that the new PIDS technology integrated with the standard construction elements in the station, such as conduits, wiring, and structural supports. We also coordinated work with Amtrak force account personnel responsible for electrical and data wiring, and connections to existing Amtrak equipment. AT&T provided the CAT6 cables and new switches. The construction contractor installed conduit and other infrastructure elements. Urban helped resolve issues related to the work by and among these separate entities.
In addition, Urban worked with the designer and Commissioning Agent to deliver a quality system. Urban monitored safety during the project and reviewed the Site Specific Work Plans. In addition, Urban managed and maintained the document control and file sharing systems for the project on behalf of Amtrak.
A large challenge throughout this project was the sensitivity of the work area. Some work had to occur at night, owingto the heavy foot traffic in the station, while designers and contractors worked during the day. To avoid any miscommunication, Urban provided daily reports on work done the night before to all companies involved. This helped keep everyone on the same page. In addition, weekly progress meetings were held to discuss pressing issues. These issues included areas containing asbestos, unforeseen obstructions in the station, and the integration of new equipment and software with the existing infrastructure. Through the weekly meetings Urban was able to coordinate resolutions to these issues.
Amtrak
Passenger Information Display System, New York Penn Station
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