STV, serving as engineer-of-record for the E-J Electric design-build team, completed the design for electrification upgrades at the existing Gun Hill Bus Depot in the Bronx. The project’s purpose is to equip the maintenance facility with state-of-the-art charging infrastructure for battery-electric buses (BEBs) – enabling clean energy bus operations and supporting a broader transition to zero-emission transit vehicles. STV is partnering with E-J Electric, the New York Power Authority and Guth DeConzo Construction Management on this effort.
What challenges is STV addressing?
STV’s design team is integrating significant new electrical infrastructure into an existing, fully operational depot with tight spatial and structural constraints. The facility upgrade supports charging for 73 BEBs, including 55 40-foot and 18 65-foot buses, all while meeting a compressed design schedule. Roof-mounted charging systems require creative solutions to preserve roofing warranties, minimize penetrations and place equipment within stringent clearances – often with only 14 feet of headroom near existing structural framing.
What solutions is STV providing?
STV delivered complete structural, electrical, power, charging and communications design, issuing 100% final design documents within a seven-month timeline. For the rooftop charging infrastructure, STV designed raised steel-framed dunnage platforms to support chargers and consolidate penetrations, improving access and simplifying waterproofing. The design also groups chargers to limit cable lengths, introduced a prefabricated high-voltage switchgear “e-house” and coordinated new framing connections that avoid field welding or drilling. STV continues to provide construction support as the depot electrification advances toward completion.
How does this project improve transit electrification and the community?
By adding fast, reliable overhead pantograph charging for dozens of battery-electric buses, the Gun Hill Bus Depot Electrification project accelerates the deployment of zero-emission transit vehicles. This transformation enhances operational efficiency, reduces local emissions and supports cleaner air quality in Bronx neighborhoods that have historically been burdened by transportation pollution. Scalable electric infrastructure at key depots like Gun Hill forms a backbone for broader electrification strategies across urban transit networks.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Electrification design for 73 BEB charging points; overhead pantograph chargers for 55 40-ft and 18 65-ft buses
- 100% final design delivered in seven months
- Raised rooftop platforms, consolidated penetrations, optimized charger placement, prefabricated high-voltage switchgear e-house
