The Collage Companies

The Collage Companies is providing general contracting services for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) to lead ADA renovations to the Historic Tampa Union Station. This project is part of Amtrak’s ADA Station Program, which is a massive nation-wide undertaking to bring all Amtrak stations across the country up to standard with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).  On many stations, the program only requires sidewalk improvements, but in the case of the Historic Tampa Union Station, Amtrak has elected to build an elevated pre-cast train platform. This elevated platform, which is unique in Florida, will be constructed at the same elevation as the passenger trains eliminating the need for wheelchair lifts.  The structure is nearly 1,000 lineal feet in length and is covered by a steel canopy system to shield passengers from the Florida rain.  The platform will be secured by a foundation under-girded by over 350 helical piles, which must be driven within the less than 100 ft wide work area, and without causing any disturbance to the adjacent tracks.  The station is to remain active throughout the life of the project, with multiple trains arriving daily within feet of the active project area, and great effort must be taken to ensure safety for passengers and workers alike.