Meeting the Demands of Growth: Electrical Design for Utah's Transportation Facilities
It's no secret. The state of Utah has experienced, and continues to experience, unprecedented growth. At Envision, we've seen this first-hand as we provide electrical engineering and design services for buildings and facilities across multiple market sectors. Within our portfolio, growth has been particularly apparent in the transportation sector. In this article, we'll share insights gained through our 26th consecutive year of providing electrical engineering for the Salt Lake City International Airport in addition to recent services for the addition of new UTA transit stations and facilities.
Envision’s Role in Transportation Evolution
Dave Whitton, Principal at Envision, spearheads services for clients in air and ground transportation. "Flexibility and foresight in planning and design is essential for transportation facilities," said Whitton. He continued, "The initial demand as well as the expansion of transportation facilities is almost entirely growth-driven. And with Utah's economic projections, that will most likely continue for the foreseeable future."
“The initial demand as well as the expansion of transportation facilities is almost entirely growth-driven. And with Utah’s economic projections, that will most likely continue for the foreseeable future.”
Engineering Success at the Salt Lake City International Airport
At the airport, Whitton has seen the impact of growth as he has led Envision's on-call electrical engineering services contract for the airport continuously since 1998. Services have most recently been directed toward construction of the new $4.1Billion terminal. With Phases 1 and 2 of the new airport complete (primarily the new central terminal, Concourse A, half of Concourse B, parking garage, roads, and parking lots), the focus is now on Phases 3 and 4 which are currently under construction. Slated for completion in fall 2024, Phase 3 includes construction of a central tunnel that will connect Concourse B to the central Terminal. The tunnel is comprised of four corridors: a central passenger walkway with adjacent corridors on each side of the walking tunnel for future train capacity, and a separate corridor for utilities and baggage. Phase 4 includes extending Concourse B to the east. Envision engineers are at the airport daily overseeing electrical systems construction and providing consultation to ensure quality construction and installation. "Change is the constant variable. Whether it’s meeting the needs of an airport tenant or trouble-shooting an unforeseen challenge during construction—leveraging our experience and extensive on-site knowledge of utilities and operations allows us to be flexible, efficient, and smart in the recommendations we provide," said Whitton.
Enhancing Utah’s Ground Transportation
As for ground transportation, Envision has provided, or is currently providing, electrical engineering for new TRAX light rail stations and Frontrunner commuter rail stops to accommodate growth along the Wasatch Front. For example, within the last two years alone, Envision has provided electrical engineering for new transit facilities which include 650 South Main TRAX station, downtown Salt Lake City (operational); Vineyard Frontrunner commuter rail station (operational); an additional Daybreak station near the site of the proposed new MLB stadium (in design); and the new UTA technology education building (feasibility study and early equipment procurement of switchboards).
A Future Powered by Expertise
"It's been exciting to see the growth and opportunities that are occurring across the state. And even more satisfying, is professionally having a role to facilitate that growth in a planned, sustainable, and responsible way," said Whitton.
Visit our transportation project portfolio or reach out to info@envisioneng.com.