Duo-Gard’s BRT Shelters Add Strength and Style for MBTA

Driven by benefits such as reduced traffic congestion and improved roadway safety, as well as environmental advantages and passenger convenience, bus rapid transit (BRT) continues to grow. Duo-Gard is seeing a significant increase in its BRT projects.

A primary reason for this, says Kevin Chown, outdoor structures sales, is the company’s custom capabilities.

One current project is at the Chelsea, Massachusetts location. Chelsea is part of the Silver Line BRT of Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, serving metro Boston and Chelsea. Duo-Gard completed its first project for Silver Line, in Acton, five years ago. That project included 24 shelters, 16 at 6’x12’ and 6 at 4’x12’, plus a bike shelter to accommodate the first-mile / last-mile needs of commuters.

The Chelsea project involves 15 shelters, sized 4’x12’ and duplicates the style and materials of the earlier project. “This includes a great deal of custom engineering,” says Chown, pointing out custom-size ceilings and intricate electrical connections. “The 8” thick custom aluminum roofs also contain heaters and recessed lighting systems.”

The shelters pictured show MBTA’s initial project. This new Chelsea project, just pouring footings now, will look exactly the same. Duo-Gard’s Kynar-coated shelters sit inside partial canopies of concrete, capped with glass panels. The look shows contemporary strength.

Installation for Chelsea is being provided by Atlantic Bridge & Engineering of Hampton, New Hampshire.