Photo: Tom Kessler
NV5 provided mechanical and electrical study, design, and construction phase services for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA’s) Accessibility and Modernization Project at the Charles Street/MGH Station on the Red Line. Services for the modernization of the 67 year old station included improvements to the accessible route from the Red Line to the Station, the barrier-free access to and from the station and adjacent neighborhoods, hospitals, the Esplanade, and heavy traffic areas around the station. Improvements included the addition of ramps, elevators, new signage, detectable warnings along the platforms, and a safe accessible path of travel.
NV5 also provided a code compliant design which included safe pedestrian routes with improved lighting and signage, upgrades of the HVAC and fire alarm systems, and upgrade of the plumbing systems which will include sanitary systems for the toilet areas’ storm drainage systems. NV5’s involvement in this project included a user friendly design; phased work so as not to disrupt normal service; upgrading the station to make it ADA compliant; upgrading and expanding signage; upgrading and installing new equipment in the sump pump room, electrical room, and mechanical room; upgrading the emergency control room; and upgrading unit substations and transformers to support the other upgrades taking place.
Heating and ventilating systems were designed to provide proper levels of tempered ventilation throughout the station and comfortable temperature levels in all the spaces. The plumbing systems were designed to provide for safe drainage and venting of the various fixtures and drains and provide potable and non-potable water as needed. The electrical system included a reliable electrical system that minimized initial and recurring costs. Electrical systems included utility connections, primary service entrance equipment, utilization switchgear, and lighting systems. Fire detection, alarm systems, and sprinkler fire protection systems were provided where required. This project was performed in multiple phases, and the station itself was required to remain in use during construction.