University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Intermodal Transit Center

The project abstract is below. For the indepth project description, click here to download a PDF.

Abstract

“City X” is rapidly emerging; it is home to many manufacturing and service industries and has been labeled as the fastest growing major city in “State X.” Along with this prosperity, however, there comes more traffic, increased emissions, and less parking. How can these challenges be overcome?

A team of eight senior-level engineering students sought to find a solution to the problem. Their answer: an Intermodal Transit Center (ITC), a facility whose function is to connect various modes of transportation in an efficient manner. A successful ITC can reduce transportation costs for the user, ease traffic congestion, supply parking, and provide environmental benefits, including reduced emission. The objective of Phase I of the ITC project was to propose a preliminary design for an ITC in City X, home to the students’ university. Phase I was completed during the fall 2008 semester and fulfilled the requirements for part one of the capstone design class under which it was supervised. Phase II of the project, to be completed in the spring 2009 semester (in part two of the capstone design class) will involve the detailed structural design of the ITC, traffic flow study, and cost analysis.

Phase I of ITC project involved collaborative efforts between government officials, engineers, urban planners, transportation specialists, local businesses, city personnel, transportation providers, environmental specialists, and financial contributors. Students were able to apply classroom knowledge to a real world scenario using skills from a variety of disciplines. In the civil engineering field, structural analysis and transportation planning (including applicable legislative procedures) were used. Environmental engineering knowledge was used in determining building materials, site location, and facility layout. Good engineering management skills ensured practical schedules and productive meetings. The student design team also used the principles of safety engineering to design an ITC that would assure public welfare.

Students also made use of available technology to enhance the project. Computer programs such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint were utilized. In addition, students established a web page (to be made available to the public upon completion of Phase II) through the university website which showcases the project and informs readers about how an ITC would impact City X. Furthermore, the team used an online file exchange system to maintain strong communication and document progress.

By combining engineering skills, professional guidance, and technology, the student team successfully proposed a preliminary design for an ITC in City X. The design is tailored for the needs of City X and includes the following features: parking, public transit connections, shuttle services, smart car rentals, restaurants, retail space, free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, bicycle repair shop, bicycle parking (long-term and short-term), access to bicycle routes, lockers & showers, PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) refueling stations, and accommodations for future rail connection.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to engage in a project that addresses actual concerns of the local community was truly a worthwhile endeavor. Students have taken great pleasure and satisfaction in knowing they have made a significant contribution towards a venture that has a strong possibility of being realized. Establishing an ITC in City X would certainly bring substantial benefits to the local area. After all, that is what the engineering profession is really about – having a share in strengthening the community!