SUMMERFIELD, FL (October 14, 2020) – Big Span Structures, a leader in concept-to-completion solutions for signature lightweight tensile membrane structures, recently provided tensile membrane roofing to create a covering for a new pedestrian walkway bridge at the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla (JRTC).
Officially opened in May 2020 as downtown Jacksonville’s main bus transfer facility, JRTC is a multi-modal hub providing local, regional and intercity service all in one location. With improved connectivity between modes, including local bus, intercity bus, commuter rail service and more, JRTC connects customers to all areas of the Northeast Florida region.
Big Span’s 2,725 square-foot tensile canopy system equipped JRTC’s pedestrian footbridge with a protective covering to provide relief from the sun and various weather elements for commuters. The walkway over W. Forsythe Street effectively connects travelers to Greyhound, Megabus and Red Coach lines directly from JRTC.
“The Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center is a crucial hub in the Northeast Florida region to provide commuters with safe and efficient access to public transit,” said Sergio Molina, senior project manager, Big Span Structures. “Big Span is proud to support this brand new multi-modal hub and its patrons by providing shelter along the pedestrian walkway, which is a vital artery to get to and from public transit.”
Designed by architect Michael Baker International and constructed by general contractor Balfour Beatty, the pedestrian walkway covering features Big Span’s tensile canopy system in a parallel arch design composed of white PVC membrane, a supporting structural steel framing system painted in a vibrant red with white v-shaped steel elements on the side column areas. Thanks to its lightweight nature and ability to span long distances, Big Span’s PVC membrane offers substantial cost savings versus traditional construction materials and carries an expected design life from 10 to 20 years.
Commonly coated with a protective acrylic or PVDF top coat, PVC membrane is an extremely versatile fabric material that is fully color printable available with inherent light transmission levels ranging from high translucency to total opacity. Used in its natural brilliant white state, as on the JRTC pedestrian walkway, PVC membrane significantly reduces net radiant heat retention, making it ideal for keeping pedestrians cool while also providing natural daylighting underneath. PVC membrane is also fire resistant and meets numerous energy code standards, including those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
For more information on Big Span’s tensioned membrane structures, tensile facades, air-supported fabric-clad structures and fabric pre-fab frames, visit bigspans.com.
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