This facility accommodates the needs of several NJ Transit departments which previously had been located within obsolete and decentralized offices. We designed the theater of operations – the heart of the center – as an expansive space, unhindered by intermediate columns, and housing 40 consoles and eight large display boards to monitor trains, signaling and communications systems. The building also accommodates training, emergency situation planning, ready rooms, network rooms, and staff support areas. Due to the mission-critical nature of the facility, the design included shielding from electro-magnetic interference, incorporation of SCADA/TMAC equipment, and the provision of redundant electrical, UPS, HVAC systems, and emergency power. To reduce stress, large expanses of glass were employed to bring light into a range of employee areas.
The project was completed on an accelerated schedule, utilizing Design-Build as the delivery system. Urbahn developed the design and 35% level documents, and then represented NJ Transit during the Design-Build phase, assisting in contractor selection, reviewing design submissions, and providing design clarifications and interpretations.