Winner: ACEC/CT Engineering Excellence Award

The newly refurbished LIFESTAR Heliport is now safer for the crew that transports as many as 1,400 critical care patients every year. Additionally, LIFESTAR’s Heliport can now accommodate Marine One in the event of a presidential emergency, making it one of the only such heliports in New England. Upgrades to the lighting, hangar door and other details provide improvements that the pilots say improve their ability to respond quickly and return safely, even in inclement weather.

"Having come to Hartford Hospital near the completion of this project, I was delighted to see the teamwork on this project between hospital engineering staff, including flight crews, contractors and engineers.

It was evident there was a cohesiveness that extended from beginning to end, providing the best possible outcome for the safety of our patients and pilots."

Kerry Kerr, Director of Engineering
Hartford Hospital

Project Highlights:

• Restoration and durabiity upgrades using state-of-the-art materials
• Significant improvements for operations, maintenance and life-cycle cost
• Total client involvement
• Innovative paddle-plate repair secures outriggers
• New safety nets and steel supports upgraded to the current IBC code
• Two slabs were made composite to accommodate presidential helicopter
• Unique drainage system provides backup for safe subsurface water and fuel removal
• New hangar door design allows for unimpeded helicopter take offs
• Materials and details were selected for longevity and minimal maintenance, while providing good visibility for the pilots
• Minimal interference to the routine of the Hospital during construction

DOWNLOADS:

• Full Press Release (PDF)

• ACEC Excellence Award Display Panel (PDF)

• Project Powerpoint Presentation (PPT)