Issuu

Intercity Passenger Rail Services The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions

Delivering Transformative Solutions At HNTB, we’re collaborating with our clients and partners to deliver intercity rail solutions that put passengers first and transform everyday mobility. Working from a foundation of collaboration, innovation and unparalleled technical excellence, HNTB addresses the unique needs and goals of each client, and, utilizing our top industry expertise and wide range of services, we provide critical support for every phase of the project life cycle. Together, we’re ushering forth a new era of safe, reliable and accessible transportation systems.

Our Services HNTB provides a full range of planning, program management, design and construction management services for public transit, high-speed and intercity passenger rail including: ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL

BRIDGE AND TRACK INSPECTIONS BRIDGE/TUNNELS

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

COMMUNICATIONS/SCADA

RISK MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION

DESIGN SERVICES

SAFETY AND SECURITY

DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

SIGNALING/CONTROL CENTERS

DISASTER RECOVERY

STATIONS/YARDS

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING

STRUCTURES

FLEET AND FACILITIES

SUB-SURFACE/GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES

GRANT WRITING

TRACK

MAINTENANCE/FIELD INVESTIGATION

TRACTION POWER/OCS

MAJOR STRUCTURES AND RAIL SYSTEMS

TRAINING

MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

TUNNEL VENTILATION

NEPA SERVICES

VEHICLE TRACK IMPACTS SERVICES

OPERATIONS AND POWER SIMULATION PLANNING STUDIES, STATION ASSESSMENTS AND ADA COMPLIANCE

Susquehanna River Bridge Location: Maryland Services: Conceptual and preliminary engineering; NEPA; final design; track, signal, OCS, power inspection and structures design; estimating and constructability services

HNTB is providing conceptual and preliminary engineering, NEPA screening and final design of Amtrak’s Susquehanna River Bridge. This heavilytraveled structure is essential to the northeast corridor, servicing not only Amtrak, but also local trains for the Maryland Area Rail Commuter system as well as Norfolk Southern Railroad. This structure is a part of Amtrak’s NEC-UP 160 maximum authorized speed stair step implementation strategy for the next generation of high-speed rail passenger service from New York to Washington D.C. HNTB produced conceptual-level designs and feasibility schemes during the first part of the project, and is currently preparing final design of the preferred alternative that was determined during the NEPA process. Track, signal, OCS, power, inspection and structures design, estimating and constructability elements are included in the project deliverables.

Watch a brief animation of the process it took to put this new bridge into place.

NYSDOT High-Speed Rail Empire Corridor Location: New York Services: Environmental study and documentation, alternative analysis, preliminary engineering

Supporting the New York State Department of Transportation, HNTB conducted a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to examine ways to increase frequency, travel times and on-time performance for operations between Schenectady and Niagara Falls, a distance of 463 miles. The firm also investigated options for the introduction of passenger train speeds of 110 miles per hour and above.

HNTB led project efforts by developing an alternatives analysis, environmental studies and preliminary engineering of alignments and approaches — all while protecting existing freight operations. Alternatives were evaluated in accordance with the NEPA. A detailed analysis of the existing rail alignment and freight rail requirements was a critical element of the project work. The Tier 1 EIS laid the foundation for advancing specific operational and infrastructure improvements for evaluation in Tier 2 NEPA documents and implementation. HNTB used GIS resources to cover the 463-mile corridor. The environmental studies included natural resources, cultural resources, air quality, noise and socio-economic analysis.

Middletown Station

The new station vastly improves ADA accessibility and multimodal connectivity. The design includes:

Location: Middletown, Pennsylvania

• A central, 500-foot, high-level pedestrian platform • A connecting pedestrian overhead bridge • An on-site parking lot • Two stair/elevator towers • A Capital Area Transit bus stop • Accommodations for future vehicle charging stations

Services: Project management; station design; site and track services; architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical/plumbing services; ADA compliancy services; historic preservation

Serving as prime consultant, HNTB collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, also in coordination with Amtrak, to design and deliver the Middletown Station project.

Operational and open to the public, the new Middletown Station meets Amtrak’s station design standards, is fully ADA compliant and remains consistent with the surrounding community’s aesthetic and landscape.

California High-Speed Rail, Construction Package 4 Location: California Services: Project management, construction management

As prime consultant on California HighSpeed Rail Construction Package 4, HNTB has provided design-build oversight, including project management, engineering oversight, construction oversight, quality oversight, utilities relocation and environmental compliance services for a 22-mile corridor in Tulare and Kern County, California. Partnering with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, HNTB has served as an extension of staff to successfully deliver the first true highspeed rail in North America. HNTB’s role has included overseeing the work of the contractor, including at-grade alignments, retained fill overcrossings and viaducts, aerial viaduct and the relocation of 4 miles of existing railroad tracks. A focus on risk analysis throughout has enabled the project to avoid impacts related to budget or schedule.

Beverly Draw Rehab and Swing Span Replacement Location: Massachusetts Services: Construction documents, bridge structure design

HNTB prepared construction documents for the rehabilitation of the Beverly Draw. The scope of the proposed construction included complete replacement of the swing span structure and mechanical and electrical systems. The rehabilitation also included extensive repairs to the existing concrete piles of the approach spans and concrete repairs to both abutments. HNTB also assisted with the replacement of this complex, movable swing span bridge, including mechanical, electrical, control and signal systems. The project was delivered during a planned fourweek rail shutdown using accelerated bridge construction methods. Completion and testing of the final control system and control tower rehabilitation was completed while maintaining active rail lines. Additional work included a new generator system, submersed conduits and revised track profiles on the approach structures.

Chicago Union Station Operations and Station Integration Study Location: Chicago, Illinois Services: Rail operations simulation, conceptual design

Amtrak engaged HNTB to conduct a railroad simulation and conceptual design study for the core of the Midwest intercity passenger rail network.

HNTB used industry-standard Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) software to evaluate railroad operation scenarios, various combinations of infrastructure configurations, and train service levels. An iterative process utilizing rail operations simulation, the firm was able to identify capacity constraints through simulation, identify a constructible solution through conceptual design, and test the effects of infrastructure changes on operations. The study was then used to identify a phased program of capital investments to allow Chicago Union Station to serve as the nation’s mid-continent passenger rail hub for decades to come.

Portal Bridge North Location: New Jersey Services: Preliminary and final design, construction-phase engineering services

As part of a design tri-venture, HNTB is serving New Jersey Transit and Amtrak to help replace the existing Portal Bridge with a new fixed-span, two-track bridge with the flexibility to add a second, new fixed-span bridge to the south of the existing structure. As the lead structural firm on the project, HNTB is delivering design for the north bridge, associated approach spans, rail systems and retaining walls over the Hackensack River.

Fitter Interlocking Improvements Location: Clinton, Connecticut Services: Engineering design services, signal and communications design

HNTB provided engineering design services for the development of construction documents for the Fitter Interlocking Improvements project. The goal of this project was to improve operational flexibilities along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. As part of the project, the mainline tracks were separated into 16-foot track centers for inclusion of two 32.75 crossover tracks. The design included new insulated overlaps on the mainline and crossover tracks to provide the required sectionalizing.

The project consisted of rail system work, including HSR interlocking, OCS and signal and communications design. HNTB’s scope of work included: • Widening the track centers of high-speed double mainline track, OCS modifications, drainage improvements and utility relocations to the existing heavily-traveled NEC. • Stakeholder coordination involving Amtrak, Providence and Worcester, Shoreline Express, FRA, utility companies and local municipalities. • Development of a construction sequencing and staging plan with minimal impacts to existing Amtrak operations and/or freight railroad operations. • Systems integration of all facets throughout the project. HNTB developed a detailed integration plan to coordinate efforts between the OCS, power and signal installations and was also responsible for detailed construction staging of the new universal interlocking.

Kingston Station Capacity Improvements Location: Kingston, Rhode Island Services: Track, signals, OCS and traction power systems design; civil, structural, architectural, permitting and subconsultant management

The Amtrak improvement project at Kingston Station is improving train operations and the passenger experience along the stretch of the Northeast Corridor, while simultaneously paving the way for long-term transit planning in Rhode Island.

The project consisted of a new “Track 3” sliding track, a new crossover and station upgrades. HNTB provided design services for track, signals, OCS and traction power systems and managed the civil, structural, architectural and permitting subconsultants required for the design and rehabilitation of the existing station. As part of the station upgrades, two new, high-level platforms create a safer, more efficient boarding process for all passengers, including full access for those with disabilities. Supporting high-speed rail efforts, the construction of a third track enables higher speed Acela trains to safely bypass regional trains stopping at Kingston. These improvements could also accommodate expanded commuter service in the future. The track improvements will also reduce congestion and minimize delays at a critical choke point in western Rhode Island, improving reliability and efficiency for all users of the busy Northeast Corridor.

Brightline Location: Florida Services: Program management, final design, construction management

HNTB helped Brightline deliver America’s first major private intercity passenger railroad system in more than a century, providing rail service connections between Miami and West Palm Beach, beginning in 2018. Since then, HNTB has continued to work alongside Brightline, first helping to deliver the long-term goal of a fully-connected

passenger rail service between Miami and Orlando. The firm has served Brightline as their program and construction manager for the design of rail infrastructure for the 238-mile rail network. As engineer-of-record for Brightline’s Phase 2 construction between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa, Florida, HNTB has provided 38 route miles of track design at a maximum speed of 125 MPH, roadway and maintenance of traffic design, 32 new bridges, grading, drainage, communications, signal layout and utility relocation. Additionally, HNTB is partnering with Brightline to provide program management services and final design for a future 83-mile extension from Orlando International Airport to Tampa.

Amtrak National PM/CM Contract Location: Amtrak’s Mid-Atlantic South and Chicago Sub-Regions Services: Program management, construction management, force account coordination, design review, constructability analysis, claim support and estimate and schedule and review analysis

HNTB’s scope of work includes program development for a wide variety of small, medium and large projects for Amtrak’s Capital Delivery Department.

Tasks to date include: • Ivy City High Speed Rail Facility Improvements • B&P Tunnel Block Tie Replacement • Baltimore Pennsylvania Station Redevelopment • Ivy City Wheel Truing Machine Installation • Washington Terminal, North Storage Track Construction • New Carrollton Station, Vertical Transportation Systems • Washington Union Station, Program Delivery Analysis • Chicago Mail Platform, Program Management Oversight • Ivy City Water Main, Constructability Analysis • Trail Creek and South River Bridges • Susquehanna River Bridge, Emergency Repairs • Hanson Interlocking • REA Building fit out • Chicago Yards project • Ivy City Sub 25/25A, Washington, DC, Constructability Analysis • Crystal City, VA, Program Management Oversight

Frederick Douglass Tunnel Rehabilitation Location: Baltimore, Maryland Services: Project management consultant

Operated by Amtrak and the Maryland Area Regional Commuter train service, the Frederick Douglass Tunnel serves the Northeast Corridor and is traversed by an average of 135 trains per weekday. This rehabilitation project seeks to improve operational efficiency through the construction of four higher-speed tunnels through Baltimore, new related system facilities

and fire/life safety improvements. It also includes the preservation of the century-old original tunnel for possible future operations. As the project management consultant for overall project management, including the development of the Project Management Plan, HNTB developed and maintained the project-level budget and schedule; controlled, documented and monitored changes; and provided project document control; quality management; technical submittal and constructability reviews, risk management support, working with Amtrak in the management of design consultants and the Federal Rail Administration (FRA)-managed National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) consultant.

CREATE Program Location: Chicago, llinois Services: Project management

The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program was developed as a unique, precedent-setting, public-private partnership (P3) between the FHWA and FRA, IDOT, CDOT, Cook County, City of Chicago, Amtrak, Metra commuter rail, AAR, six Class 1 freight railroads and two regional switching railroads. HNTB has served as IDOT’s CREATE Program management consultant since 2010, providing intensive management oversight of 70 rail improvement projects in four major rail corridors throughout the region. The firm oversees all aspects of environmental, design and construction and also facilitates all programmatic meetings. HNTB is also part of an extensive, targeted public involvement program. The CREATE program has reduced Metra and Amtrak delays throughout Chicago and has also generated billions of dollars in economic benefits. Additional benefits of the program include reduced fuel consumption and emissions, reduced congestion and reduced shipping costs that can be passed on to customers.

Knowledge Rail Corridor Location: Massachusetts Services: Rail planning, rail operations simulation

As part of the larger, 300-mile Knowledge Corridor, HNTB supported the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to assess the impacts of ongoing infrastructure improvements on operations and passenger trip-time reliability for a 50-mile rail segment extending from Springfield to East Northfield, Massachusetts.

HNTB’s rail operations modeling and planning group conducted a comprehensive review of existing conditions and current operating speeds by gathering information from various stakeholders and collecting GPS field data. Using Rail Traffic Controller (RTC), a railway operations simulations tool, HNTB calibrated a model to match existing conditions and train performance. Subsequently, speed restrictions were lifted, and improvements were added to the model to compute which projects provided the most runtime savings and therefore improved operations. These results were collected and presented to MassDOT to assist in the re-negotiation of the Service Outcome Agreement for the Valley Flyer service.

RailPictures.Net Image Copyright Justin Winiarz

MBTA North Station Draw 1 Bridge Replacement

the Charles River with six new tracks, expanding the North Station Terminal from 10 station tracks to 12, and making major track and signal improvements.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

To support the complex design work, HNTB performed operations modeling and planning. The firm developed and calibrated a Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) model of the existing system and schedules.

Services: Track, signaling, rail operations simulation, rail planning and scheduling

HNTB led the track and signal design for the replacement of the Boston Draw 1 Bridge. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bridge carries all MBTA northside trains and Amtrak’s Downeaster service line across the Charles River to Boston’s North Station. The project involves replacing four tracks across

The modeling was critical to the alternatives analysis to identify the optimal track/bridge configuration. Five project alternatives were coded into the model to quantify speed and reliability improvements and resilience under current and future growth scenarios.

Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River Location: Norwalk, Connecticut Services: Design, environmental documentation, permitting, stakeholder communication, environmental/NEPA services, construction phasing

HNTB led the design, environmental documentation and permitting for all elements of the Walk Bridge Replacement Program — delivered under the CM/GC method, and provided construction engineering support. The Walk Bridge program consists of three primary projects: 1. Replacement of the Metro-North Railroad (MNR) Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River 2. Danbury Branch Dockyard Improvements 3. Full Universal Interlocking at CP243

Bridge 124.09 over the Thames River Location: Groton, Connecticut Services: Preliminary and final design, project and quality management, project controls, estimating and scheduling, community outreach, NEPA services, construction phasing

The reconstruction of the Thames River Bridge represented Amtrak’s single largest capital improvement project at the time it was done. It serves as a major link for Amtrak’s Northeast corridor, connecting Boston and New York with 38 passenger trains being operated across the bridge daily. The moveable span also opens between 1,600 and 2,000 times

annually to allow for the passage of U.S. Navy submarines, crafts for the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as commercial and recreational users. The goal of the project was to replace the existing Strauss heel-trunnion bascule bridge span with a new lift span while also minimizing disruptions to rail and marine traffic. The reconstructed bridge is a 188-foot vertical lift span constructed on existing railroad alignment. HNTB’s innovative structure replacement design allowed for minimal interruptions of rail and marine traffic. Environmental considerations led the project team to reuse portions of the existing structure, including strengthening and rehabilitating the existing piers. As a result of the project’s success, it was recognized by ACEC-Connecticut in 2011 as the chapter’s winner of the Grand Conceptor Award.

BNSF Bridge 81.4 Location: Vader, Washington Services: Prime designer, construction manager

HNTB served as the prime designer and construction manager for the BNSF 81.4 Bridge across the Cowlitz River, a critical passenger and freight rail infrastructure link in a remote area of Washington state. With no alternate rail routes nearby, the nearly 1,100-foot-long bridge provides a convenient, safe river crossing for up to 50 trains per day.

The rugged, natural landscape posed geotechnical challenges. The team addressed these with a design that features 143’-4” and 207’-6” long deck plate girders supported on large diameter drilled shafts with rock sockets and box beam approach spans supported on socketed H-piles. The 207’6” deck plate girder span is one of the longest spans on BNSF’s system for this span type. The superstructure utilized weathering steel to provide long-term corrosion protection and to withstand the heavy rains and winds that are common to Vader, Washington. The team was able to streamline construction and reduce project costs by leveraging the CM/GC delivery method and coordinating closely with the contractor.

Penn Station Access GEC for Design Location: New York, New York Services: Preliminary design, final track alignment design

Penn Station Access project will transform the region by introducing direct Metro-North Railroad (MNR) service from the Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut to Penn Station, and by adding four new ADA-accessible passenger rail stations in currently underserved neighborhoods of the East Bronx. The project will strengthen network reliability and improve recovery times for trains, in the event of an emergency interruption of service. As general engineering consultant, HNTB completed the preliminary design and final track alignment design. The project includes bridge rehabilitations, more than 19 miles of new and rehabilitated track work, new and reconfigured interlockings, and the modernization of signal, power and communication infrastructure.

New Haven-HartfordSpringfield Rail Corridor Location: Connecticut Services: Rail systems engineering, preliminary engineering, final design, design services during construction

To improve passenger rail service along the 60-mile I-91/New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Corridor, HNTB is partnering with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to upgrade infrastructure, including track, signal,

communications and at-grade crossings. The return of commuter rail service and the enhancement of intercity rail service provides travelers a more sustainable option and gives Connecticut’s cities and towns an opportunity to reconnect their communities with population centers and revitalize their town centers. The project scope also includes coordination with CTDOT, federal and state agencies, Amtrak and other consultants related to work included in a program to implement a direct passenger highspeed connection from New Haven, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts.

California High-Speed Rail, San Francisco to the Central Valley Location: California Services: Project management, preliminary engineering, environmental clearance services

Supporting the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s initiative to deliver the U.S.’ first highspeed rail system, HNTB provided engineering and environmental services for the San Francisco to San Jose (51 miles) and San Jose to Merced (84 miles) corridors, which will create new connections between California’s Bay Area and Central Valley. Upon completion, the California high-speed rail system will be a fast, reliable, economically beneficial, environmentally conscious and sustainable solution that will usher in a new era of mobility for the mega-regions of the state. HNTB leads a robust, full-service team to deliver: • Conceptual and preliminary engineering studies of alignment alternatives • Preliminary design of trackway and associated structures • Draft and final environmental documents • Public outreach • Station area planning To manage both project sections, HNTB’s project management team also provided project controls and scheduling support, including detailed risk analysis and overall quality assurance.

Amtrak Chicago Yard Location: Chicago, Illinois Services: Track, facilities and utilities design

Amtrak officials turned to the design-build team of Kiewit Western-HNTB to rehabilitate the Union Station Terminal in Chicago. HNTB provided the design services for track, facilities and utilities, resulting in a scope of work that included 7 miles of yard and main track renewal, interlocking construction, rehabilitation of five major railroad facilities, trackside utilities,

security, power and bridge work. HNTB not only completed all original design in six weeks, but the firm’s operations experience also allowed it to proactively design in support of ongoing operations. Because of the value the team brought to the project, Amtrak increased the scope and contract budget and extended the schedule from 12 to 18 months. The new construction aligns the yard with prescribed operations and maintenance rules, yields higher safety margins for workers and will help Amtrak continue to play a key role in providing viable passenger rail service to the Midwest.

Long Bridge over the Potomac River Location: Washington, D.C. Services: Conceptual engineering, draft environmental impact statement

The District Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration conducted a NEPA planning analysis to evaluate the potential impacts and benefits of improvements made to the existing twotrack Long Bridge over the Potomac River. HNTB was responsible for conceptual engineering of rail systems and structures within the 1.8-mile study area, as well

as the bicycle and pedestrian bridge safety analysis. Subsequent engineering work included the development and screening of conceptual engineering alternatives for the Long Bridge project, including the Potomac River Bridge, approach bridges, rail alignments, interlocking design, construction staging and project phasing and cost estimates. HNTB led the development of the structures study report for the new Potomac River Bridge and the Maryland Avenue SW to LE Interlocking Clearance Assessment. The scope included coordination with WMATA for design of a new structure over Yellow Line portal on West Potomac Island, completion of a hazard analysis and TVRA for bicycle/pedestrian crossing alternatives and completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement’s (DEIS) multimodal transportation analysis.

The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions hntb.com