Over the next two years, Pittsburgh Regional Transit expects to make $26.6 million in improvements to a series of maintenance garages and other facilities.
The agency’s Performance Oversight Committee recommended four sets of contracts Thursday for approval when the full board meets next Friday.
The most expensive project is a new roof and other improvements at the agency’s former maintenance garage in Harmar at a cost of $9.7 million. PRT closed the site as a maintenance garage more than 10 years ago, but the agency still uses it for operator, maintenance and police dog training and allows Allegheny County Emergency Services to store equipment there.
In addition to the roof, the work includes renovating interior spaces, new heating, ventilation and air conditioning, new plumbing, a sprinkler system and electrical work. The project is expected to take about 16 months once the agency gives contractors notice to proceed.
The second project involves $8.3 million of HVAC work at maintenance garages in Collier and West Mifflin, the South Hills Village Operations Control Center for the light rail system and the cash handling building, and Building 1 at South Hills Junction. That work will take about a year.
Another set of contracts will cover $6 million worth of interior improvements at the South Hills Village maintenance and transportation buildings for the light rail system and Building 5 at South Hills Junction. The work includes renovations to offices, dispatch areas, restrooms, fire alarm systems and lighting.
That project also should take about a year.
It is expected to take two years to replace emergency generators and the equipment that operates them at five locations: the Collier, Ross and West Mifflin maintenance garages; the long-term maintenance facility in Manchester; and the rail facility at South Hills Village. That work will cost $2.6 million.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.