New Garage Cuts Empty Running
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
MPTY running associated with many housing-estate bus services has been practically eliminated on the Bilborough routes of Nottingham Transport Department, with the opening of a new 50-vehicle garage in a central position in the Bilborough estate, fonr miles from the centre of the city, which has a combined population of about 11,000 inhabitants. The ceremony was performed by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Clir. J. Kenyon, last week.
Built on ground subject to mine subsidence, the building is of Portalframe construction with an independent roof structure and expansion joints between each section and at the window frames. The floor measures 210 ft. by 190 ft. and is divided into two bays with separate frames, the members of which arc hinged at the roof centre and at the floor, and braced by underground cables. Since the structure was completed, there has been a subsidence of nearly 4 ft., but this resulted in only superficial damage to the brickwork. The extensive roof and wall glazing was not affected.
The garage is equipped with steam heating and radiator-heater points round the walls. Four pits with glazed walls and fluorescent lighting will be used for routine maintenance, and these have sunken workbenches. The buses are cleaned on the premises by an Essex washer.
Each bay has 30-ft. sliding doors at both ends. A small canteen and toilet facilities are provided for the 185 employees based on the garage.