MWM DESIGNGROUP provided the design, permitting, and construction of a prototype MetroBike facility. This prototype was installed at the MetroRail Kramer Station, which is one of the nine stops along the 32-mile commuter rail line inaugurated in 2010. This bicycle storage facility forms part of the “Last Mile” initiative to bridge the mobility gap from the rail station to the commuter’s final destination by way of cycling.
The design and permitting of the prototype facility underscores MWM’s value to Capital Metro. In terms of design, the modifications to Kramer Station are truly multi-modal, serving to integrate bicycle, rail and bus transportation systems without compromising pedestrian or private vehicle mobility. MWM’s long and successful history with Capital Metro, including service as PMSC consultant for the Red Line, as the designer of Park and Rides, as designer of accessibility improvements for more than 800 individual bus stops, as a key consultant on multiple MetroRapid projects, was reflected in the preliminary designs for the MetroBike facility and throughout the completed project.
MWM also assisted Capital Metro in obtaining the necessary permits for the construction of the prototype MetroBike facility. This included negotiations with the City of Austin pursuant to a General Permit approval (necessitating review of existing title and easement documentation), as well as coordination with the rail clear zone.
Based on the success of the prototype MetroBike facility, Capital Metro retained MWM DesignGroup to design six additional MetroBike installations throughout Austin. Permits for the six subsequent facilities included General Permits, General Permit Small Project Notifications, and Site Development Permit Corrections – all of which illustrate the variety of regulatory procedures applicable to these projects and the benefits of MWM’s experience in responding to them efficiently.