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| Baltimore MTA Light Rail |
Project Description
Parsons served as Systems Engineering Consultant for the $460 million Central Light Rail Transit (LRT)System. The 27-mile line serves the City of Baltimore plus Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. Design work began in May 1988, and the first segment of the system was placed into operation in April 1992. The system consists of two lines radiating north and south from downtown Baltimore. The two lines are forecast to carry 33,000 passengers daily in the year 2010. The initial project was built using local monies. The extensions are constructed as a design/build project with the support of the federal government.
Parsons supervised the procurement and installation of all system-wide elements for the light rail system, and provided start-up services during the first six months of revenue service.
Parsons was responsible for the design of all operating elements of the system, including the rail vehicles, electrification, signaling, communications, and fare collection. Parsons also had lead responsibility for operations planning, traffic engineering, corrosion control, safety, and systems assurance.
The traction power system uses modularized, self-contained substations, factory tested and shipped complete to site, for quick installation. Both fixed-termination and auto-tensioned catenary designs were employed. In order to achieve urban design visual goals while minimizing the number of support structures, high-profile catenary was selected for the street running segment of the project.
At the client's request, Parsons also designed the light rail vehicle yard on an extremely short 5 1/2 week schedule, which included relocation of a railroad freight bulk intermodal transfer facility from the yard site.
Traffic engineering assistance focused on two separate areas of traffic control for improved LRT operation: development of at-grade crossing control for high-volume arterials, and signal timing plans and control systems for at-grade running on surface streets in central Baltimore.
Conrail retained its freight operating rights on the LRT, and successor Norfolk Southern continues to maintain its carload freight business. Parsons developed operating rules consistent with the safety and service needs of the LRT and Conrail.
Parsons has continued its successful working relationship with the MTA, by being awarded the on-call services contract. Through this contract, Parsons provides the MTA with a complete range of systems engineering services for all modes of transportation. Specifically, services are provided for Train Control, Traction and Signal Power, Overhead Contract System, Fare Collection, Communications and Corrosion Control.
Although services are provided for many of the MTA’s modes of transportation, Parsons current emphasis is on the Light Rail Double Tracking Project. This project adds nine miles of track in existing single track areas. Additionally, it provides system upgrades in both the signaling and the traction and signal power systems. The project must be accomplished with minimum “outages” and disruptions to current service. This is particularly complex in changing out the existing wayside automatic block signaling to a cab code system with automatic train protection.
The general description of work performed by Parsons is summarized as follows:
Light Rail Services:
- Systems engineering design support for the various systems elements in support of the double track project installation phase. Systems modification and integration of all project elements to minimize impact to operations during construction, testing, and safety certification.
- Operating simulations to develop various operating schedules in support of the construction phase.
- Engineering, inspection, reliability, maintainability, safety and quality control analysis as required to support various tasks.
Area Rapid Commuter (MARC):
- Review and coordinate with CSX for all modifications and upgrades to non-MTA owned sections of the service line to ensure safety of operation for signaling and grade crossing operation.
- Engineering, inspection, reliability, maintainability, safety and quality control analysis as required to support various tasks.
Baltimore Metro (Heavy Rail):
- Systems engineering design assistance for METRO system.
- Engineering, inspection, reliability, maintainability, safety and quality control analysis as required to support various tasks.
Maintenance Engineering Support:
- Analysis and resolution of system problems. Technical support and improvements recommendations.
Parsons provides a close working relationship with its clients to ensure the successful completion of projects.
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Project Location
Baltimore, Maryland
Central Light Rail Line
Phase I, Phase II and Subsequent Upgrade Work
Project Scope
Design Services
Procurement Management
Installation Management
Operations Support
Agency Coordination
Operations Simulation
Total Installed Cost
$759 million
Client
Maryland Mass Transit Administration
Start Date
1988
Completion Date
2006
Significance
Throughout our Phase I and II efforts, Parsons consistently met all established budget and schedule targets for which we were responsible.
The total cost of the Phase I system, including all aspects totaled an average $15 million per route mile, one of the lowest cost light rail implementations in recent years.
To date, all project design deliverables and related key documentation have been delivered to the MTA on or ahead of schedule.
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