Metro – Fairview Heights Pocket Track
- Constructed a "pocket track" to expand capacity
- Constructed 1,500 feet of new track and 6 turnouts
- Managed grading and drainage work
- Installed OCS and signal work
Fairview Heights, IL
Customer
Metro, the governing transportation authority for the Greater St. Louis region
RailWorks Business Unit
RailWorks Track Services
Description
RailWorks provided track, traction power, signal/communications and facility construction services to expand the light rail line at Fairview Heights to accommodate additional rail capacity.
Scope
This expansive $10 million project featured constructing a “pocket track” between the east and westbound tracks to improve and expand passenger service limits in Metro's core system. The expansion allowed Metro to maximize capacity during peak commuter times and special events, such as St. Louis Cardinal games. The project required constructing an 11,000–foot new concrete tie track and a 200-foot wood tie maintenance spur and installing six turnouts.
RailWorks constructed a total of 1500 track feet of new track and six turnouts, perrformed grading and drainage, including a box culvert extension, installed OCS (overhead catenary system) modifications, and performed signal and communications and other required civil work.
Unique features
RailWorks performed the complex phased work under traffic and with minimal work windows in just 11 months. Prior to construction Metro traveled another 14 miles to turn the train at the end of the alignment.
