NJ TRANSIT ELECTRIC BUS INFRASTRUCTURE WINS NATIONAL ENGINEERING AWARD
Camden Bus Garage Project Now Nationally Recognized for Progress Towards Zero Emissions Goal
May 16, 2024
NEWARK, NJ – NJ TRANSIT’s infrastructure upgrades at the Newton Avenue Bus Garage in Camden have been recognized nationally with a 2024 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Earlier this year, the project was also awarded the 2024 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACEC-NJ). Dewberry, which was contracted by NJ TRANSIT, was honored for their work in designing the bus charging infrastructure project that set the stage for NJ TRANSIT’s initial deployment of eight battery electric buses in the Camden region.
“Being honored with the 2024 ACEC Engineering Excellence Award – first at the state and now at the national level – is a clear indication that NJ TRANSIT has become a leader in sustainable infrastructure,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This recognition underscores the exemplary design and engineering that define our Newton Avenue Bus Garage project, reinforcing our commitment to developing sustainable, zero-emission transportation solutions.”
"We are pleased that ACEC recognized our team's partnership with NJ TRANSIT to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in our communities," said Dewberry Project Manager Charles Stebbins.
NJ TRANSIT installed electric vehicle charging (EVC) equipment for buses operating out of the Newton Avenue garage in Camden, NJ. Dewberry, the prime consultant, was responsible for performing preliminary analyses and site layout activities to develop a suite of EVC infrastructure recommendations for a baseline scenario of eight charging stations, scaling up to a high-growth scenario of 24 charging stations. Recommendations considered networked versus stand-alone chargers; evaluation of existing power into the facility and the need for secondary electrical service; maintenance, energy and construction cost; and space, electrical and operational constraints; among other factors.
Dewberry's scope of work included advancing the selected option through final design, including preparing the bid, permit, and construction documents package, providing bid solicitation assistance and construction-phase engineering support, and commissioning of the EVC equipment. The Dewberry team identified long-lead electrical equipment items, allowing NJ TRANSIT to procure these items early in construction. The project required engagement with PSE&G to verify that the EVC system was functional and compliant with PSE&G requirements. Dewberry also managed communication with the NJ TRANSIT team and other involved stakeholders throughout the project and provided extensive outreach to keep the project moving forward safely and successfully.
The award was presented at last night’s (May 15) ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards Gala in Washington, DC.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.