Lowell, MA
Lowell Regional Transit Maintenance Facility
Scope/Solutions
Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) owns and operates the Lowell Regional Transit Maintenance Facility, which is an approximately 70,000 sq ft metal building that houses offices and bus maintenance amenities. The LRTA sought to install a photovoltaic array on the expansive facility roof that would produce enough energy to meet nearly all of the building’s energy loads. SGH led the design team that evaluated the existing structure, building enclosure, and MEP systems to assess the feasibility of installing the solar panels on the roof. Our team then designed the upgrades and provided construction administration services. At the time, the array was the largest ever installed on a public transit facility in the state.
SGH was the prime consultant involved from the feasibility study through construction. Highlights of our work on this project include the following:
- Determined roof replacement was necessary to align the lifespan of the roof with that of the photovoltaic panels
- Reviewed with the owner payback options and impacts of federal funding on feasibility
- Conducted an existing building code analysis and determined the code mandated structural upgrades to accomplish the roof replacement and photovoltaic installation
- Designed structural upgrades, including modifications to the lateral and foundation system, and repairs to the open-web steel roof joists
- Designed the roof replacement and other ancillary building enclosure improvements, such as repairs to concrete masonry walls
- Provided construction administration services throughout the project
Project Summary
2012
4M
Key team members
