RiverLink Ferry System Barge Rehab & Terminal Upgrade
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Client: Delaware River Port Authority
JMT staff designed an enhanced passenger experience and major
upgrades for a ferry terminal passenger facility.
The RiverLink Ferry System provided a vital pedestrian link
across the Delaware River between Penn's Landing, a major public
waterfront plaza and destination in Center City Philadelphia, with
numerous entertainment and tourist venues on the adjacent
waterfront in Camden, New Jersey. The ferry terminal needed a
variety of improvements. RiverLink passengers were provided
minimal shelter from poor weather as they waited, and queuing for
large events resulted in poor site circulation in and around the
terminal. Terminal signage was inadequate. A floating barge,
which facilitated passenger movements between the terminal and the
ferry vessel, needed structural repairs and system upgrades.
Improvements to the terminal ticketing and waiting areas and barge
also were desired to assure a safe and enjoyable experience for
ferry passengers.
JMT prepared an assessment and developed construction plans,
specifications, cost estimates and schedules for the upgrades to
the Penn's Landing Ferry Terminal in accordance with Federal
Transit Administration requirements. JMT staff completed an
inspection of all terminal facilities, including an in-depth
investigation of the floating barge through underwater structural
inspections and other internal investigations. Following the
inspection, JMT designed upgrades including various structural
plating and stiffener repairs, removal of waste materials inside
the barge, and new lighting, mechanical, electrical and security
features.
Enhancements to the terminal structure were designed to be
semi-permanent due to ongoing planning efforts which could change
the face of the waterfront in Philadelphia over the long-term.
Accordingly, JMT designed a new terminal structure comprised of two
custom pre-fabricated structure units that provided improved,
secure ticketing facilities and a separate climate-controlled
waiting area, connected by a covered portico near the barge access
point. The new design is aesthetically pleasing and provides views
of the river to waiting passengers, improved site circulation
patterns, high visibility to potential passengers, and improved
variable message and static signage. The structure's foundation is
designed to integrate with the existing wharf structure on which it
rests.
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