Houston METRO Selects LAN to Provide Architecture/Engineering Services for Universal Accessibility Initiative

By Jay Srinivasan

Houston METRO selected planning, engineering and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) as one of the firms to provide architecture/engineering services for its Universal Accessibility Initiative.

METRO has prioritized universal accessibility as an agency initiative to commit to public facility environments that can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability. In 2017, the agency began implementing a multi-year project to ensure its bus stops meet or exceed standards laid out in the Americans With Disabilities Act by 2024.

As part of the project, METRO is optimizing bus routes and upgrading its vast network of bus stops and associated infrastructure. The upgrades include sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, and bus shelter foundation improvements. The agency divided the city into six zones and selected a firm to upgrade each zone. LAN is providing architecture/engineering services for Zone 5 and optimizing the bus routes in all zones. Zone 5 is in the southwest part of Houston and is generally bound by IH-10, US-69, SH-6, and IH-45.

“We are looking forward to working with METRO to accomplish its mission and enhance the mobility and connectivity of our city’s communities and businesses,” said Ricky Gonzalez, LAN’s associate and team leader.