PITTSBURGH, Pa., Oct. 15, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting, planning, technical and professional services, joined a host of regional officials in greater Pittsburgh for the official opening of the East Liberty Transit Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 14. As the primary construction management firm, Michael Baker oversaw the planning, coordination and construction of major portions of the $150-million project, which is engineered to streamline the daily commute for as many as 25,000 people who travel between Pittsburgh's eastern suburbs and downtown. Located at the corner of Penn and Shady avenues in East Liberty, this multi-year project has also spurred additional retail and residential development in the surrounding neighborhood.
"For 75 years, Michael Baker International has played a key role in designing and building critical pieces of western Pennsylvania's infrastructure - from major highways to Pittsburgh International Airport and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The completion of the East Liberty Transit Center signals a major step forward for mass transit in the region and is vital to Pittsburgh's ongoing renaissance," said Kurt Bergman, CEO of Michael Baker International. "With our full continuum of innovative solutions and our local focus, Michael Baker has taken the needs of bus riders, pedestrians and bicycle commuters into account, connecting people with the means to get where they are going efficiently and safely. We're proud to join our regional partners in bringing this important project across the finish line."
As construction managers, Michael Baker experts oversaw demolition of the previous site. They also managed the construction of the new transit center's infrastructure, underground vehicle and bicycle parking garages, pedestrian and bicycle bridges over the busway and nearby railroad tracks, and new streets within the complex. In addition, Michael Baker conducted constructability reviews of the design plans; handled daily inspection of the site during construction; and worked directly with contractors on change order management, risk assessment and cost control.
The East Liberty Transit Center is a multimodal transit center at the site of the former East Liberty Busway Station. It now serves more than 800 bus arrivals per day and will shorten commutes and wait times for thousands of people who rely on Port Authority of Allegheny County buses in greater Pittsburgh, particularly those who live or work east of the city. The project has also resulted in a reconnected street grid and better pedestrian and bike connections.
A host of agencies partnered to bring the project to its successful conclusion, including the City of Pittsburgh; Allegheny County; Port Authority of Allegheny County; the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh; Eastside Limited Partnership III; and East Liberty Development, Inc.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more visit www.mbakerintl.com.