PATCO’s Commitment to Accessibility and Innovation Honored with Prestigious Award

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PATCO News & Information

Released:12/9/2024

The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) is proud to announce that the DRPA/PATCO 100% ADA Compliance Project, also known as the Installing Elevators in Remaining Stations Project, has been honored with the Innovative Transportation Solution Project of the Year Award by WTS Philadelphia. This award recognizes innovative transportation projects led by women that enhance the quality of life for users and the community.

The award was presented during the WTS Philadelphia Sapphire Awards Gala on December 5, 2024, held at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia.

This transformative project achieves 100% ADA compliance at all PATCO stations, greatly enhancing accessibility and offering reliable transit options for individuals with limited mobility. It underscores PATCO's ongoing commitment to delivering inclusive and dependable transportation solutions throughout the region.

One of the key aspects of this project's success is the exceptional leadership of over a dozen women who played integral roles throughout its entire process-from planning and design to construction and project completion. These women led with innovation, overcoming complex challenges at every stage of the project.

Members of the project team included:

• Sowinski Sullivan Architects: Suzanne Sowinski, RA, President of Sowinski Sullivan Architects, a woman owned business prime design firm, and architect of record for the project; Kelly Freeman, RA, Vice President of Sowinski Sullivan Architects, and Principal in Charge of Architecture. Responsible for overall quality assurance of project.
• Burns Engineering: Erica Antoine, PE, Engineering Project Manager, leading structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, life safety engineering aspects and Project Manager for Construction Management Services responsible for construction phasing, staging and coordination; Jamie Dickinson, PE, Resident Engineer responsible for contractor compliance with architecture and engineering documents.
• DRPA/PATCO: Brigitte Kordzian, PE, Senior Engineer, responsible for managing the design and providing design consultant team oversight; Elisabeth L. Klawunn, PE, Senior Engineer responsible for managing the Contractor and Construction Monitoring team providing construction project oversight confirming the construction is to specification and remediating on-site complications.
• The numerous other women from DRPA and in key leadership roles who were instrumental in driving the project from initiation to successful completion.

The success of this project reflects PATCO's commitment to accessibility, equity, and innovation. It underscores the importance of diverse leadership in creating transportation solutions that serve all members of the community.

At PATCO and DRPA, we are proud to champion innovation and accessibility while fostering an inclusive environment that supports and promotes women in leadership. This award is a testament to our dedication to creating equitable transportation solutions that truly make a difference in the lives of our riders and the broader community.

Thank you to WTS Philadelphia for this incredible honor and to everyone who contributed to making this project a success.

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