Seattle, WA

Customer
Sound Transit

RailWorks Business Unit
RailWorks Track Systems
L.K. Comstock National Transit

Description
RailWorks Track Systems serves as the prime contractor for the $13.3 million project and is supported by first tier subcontractor L.K. Comstock National Transit. The U820 project will expand Sound Transit’s existing light rail storage yard and maintenance facilities. It is a  fundamental next step in the plan to add a new northern light rail line by 2016.

Scope
The 14-month project will add nine additional storage tracks to the existing yard located near the airport. It will give Sound Transit the necessary storage and maintenance capabilities for 64 new vehicles that will operate on the new University Link light rail line. This line will extend 3.15 miles underground from downtown Seattle north to the University of Washington.

RailWorks Track Systems is performing the following work:

• Constructing nine storage tracks -- a total of 10,166 track feet -- with 17 turnouts
• Grading and paving to provide new and existing yard access aisles
• Installing a standing machine
• Installing 43 catenary pole foundations

L.K. Comstock is performing the following work:

• Installing the underground traction power duct bank (conduits and wire)
• Installing signal and overhead catenary system (OCS)
• Installing the train-to-wayside communications (TWC), bonding, power, signal and frog bonding
• Installing switch heaters (600+) for the more than 60 switches in the yard and existing mainline tracks
• Installing switch machines, cables and bonding for new storage track

Unique features
The yard project requires much of the work to be sequenced simultaneously while live operations continue in the existing yard.. It has required detailed planning between RailWorks, L.K. Comstock and Sound Transit.