BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2005

In 2004, the New York Subway system celebrated its 100th anniversary. This network, comprising 22 lines and serving 4.5 million passengers per day is the world's largest. When New York's first subway line opened in October 1904, fares cost only a nickel while providing passengers with swift and efficient urban transportation. Following the Depression and World War II, subway ridership declined as newly built highways lured New York residents to growing suburban communities. To increase ridership, the MTA began one of the largest transportation rehabilitation programs in U.S. history to improve service on older lines, upgrade rolling stock and remodel stations. As the subway enters its second centennial, MTA officials are celebrating the line's distinguished history while continuing to upgrade and improve a number of historic stations, including Stillwell Avenue, 74th Street and the Atlantic Terminal.

For many New Yorkers, Coney Island conjures images of summer amusements, hot dogs and carnivals. In 1919, the construction of Stillwell Terminal made it possible for all New Yorkers to affordably reach the famous resort. However, since the area's glory days, Coney Island had declined until the 1990s, when the redevelopment of the boardwalk and construction of a baseball stadium for the Brooklyn Cyclones helped to revitalize the area and restore it to its place as a popular family destination.

A key step in the revitalization process was the renovation of Stillwell Avenue Terminal. This station acts as a hub for four major subway lines and serves more than 15,000 people a day during the busy summer season. The upgraded station features an arched glass canopy enclosing all eight tracks, as well as a transit police station, retail stores and a 400-foot glass brick mural. Despite the many changes proposed, the MTA wanted to preserve Stillwell Terminal's historic terra cotta façade. To blend this recognizable landmark with the new building, Berger architectural historians assessed the condition of the facade, and worked with station architects to incorporate it within the new structure. In addition to restoring the station's architectural treasures, the Berger Group also conducted an environmental analysis for this massive $283 million reconstruction effort. Berger environmental specialists evaluated the effects of construction on the surrounding neighborhood and identified potentially sensitive areas near the waterfront. During construction, Berger team members assisted in rerouting the four subway lines using Stillwell Terminal. The Team also assessed passenger movement and alternate routes during construction then developed an improved circulation pattern for the upgraded station to ensure that Stillwell Avenue is an efficient intermodal station. 74th Street Station is a major intermodal hub in Queens. The station, located at the intersection of the 7 and Queens Boulevard lines, provides transfers to the E, F, G, R and V lines, as well as six bus lines. But travelers must change between the 7 line and the Queens Boulevard line, operating at different levels of the station and the at-grade bus lines. The Berger Group examined current passenger movements and congestion levels and prepared an environmental impact statement for the proposed improvement. To facilitate passenger flow and transfers, Berger engineers also developed circulation plans to improve passenger movements during and after construction.

As this area of Brooklyn is highly congested, the Team prepared an environmental assessment and traffic analysis to minimize noise and traffic back-ups. Berger specialists evaluated the impact of the proposed construction on existing retail activities to ensure access to local businesses was not interrupted during construction. Atlantic Terminal is one of two major terminals for the Long Island Railroad, the nation's busiest commuter rail line. Because of its importance, the MTA is upgrading the station to improve passenger flow and accommodate travelers with disabilities. This station improvement also represents a major component of an urban renewal plan for Brooklyn, which will include transportation upgrades and the development of a 400,000-square-foot office and retail building above the station.

The Berger Group prepared an environmental assessment for the new station. To mitigate the effects of multiple reconstruction projects, Berger environmental specialists evaluated the cumulative effects of planned and ongoing construction projects on the surrounding area. Team members evaluated traffic and pedestrian movement and opportunities for improved pedestrian circulation. The Team identified access routes for construction vehicles and prepared a plan to reduce the effects of street closures and reduce congestion.