TOP PROJECTS
Norfolk Southern Pearl River Truss Replacement.
the Los Angeles basin. This includes maintaining – come rain or shine –all track, signal, bridge, and drainage structure infrastructure within the Metrolink right-of-way to ensure safe and reliable commuter rail operations. From December 2022 through January 2023, Southern California experienced unprecedented rainfall – 400-600 percent above average – resulting in major flooding, rockslides, and mudslides across LA County, which caused major impacts and damage to the SCRRA Metrolink right-of-way. Metrolink’s rail infrastructure was significantly impacted by track washouts and track obstructions caused by tree, rock, and mudslide debris. Rainfall was so severe in January that Union Station flooded. These weather events resulted in Metrolink systemwide service disruptions such as slow orders, delays, dark signals, and other service impacts that had the potential to compromise the safety of Metrolink operations. Throughout these recent severe weather events, Herzog collaborated closely and proactively with SCRRA to keep the Metrolink commuter rail system open and operational for commuters. Herzog strategically staged resources, materials, and heavy equipment 14 Railway Track & Structures // June 2023
across the Metrolink network to be well-positioned to respond to weather-caused right-ofway service disruption. Additionally, Herzog communicated closely with Metrolink and with the community to address flooding and mudslide issues as they arose - and before they became unmanageable. Herzog maintenance-of-way crews worked around the clock repairing rail infrastructure, clearing debris from the track, and fixing drainage problems to keep Metrolink trains moving, never ignoring or refusing an issue because it was or wasn’t their job. Specific to this year and a direct result of the flooding was the development of sinkholes in and around the Metrolink mainline tracks. To combat this hazard, Herzog personnel worked tirelessly to inspect each sinkhole, check for utility obstructions, and fill the holes with ballast to keep the trains running. Additionally, they worked continuously to keep the track operational during constant rock slides in the Santa Clarita area, where the train runs through rock-covered hills. This required continual monitoring and clearing of the track using backhoes and loaders. Herzog’s efforts in the midst of these challenges did not go unnoticed. At the
January 2023 SCRRA Metrolink board meeting, Herzog was recognized for its success in tackling these challenges by the Metrolink Board of Directors and CEO, Darren Kettle.
SHORT LINE: NEW CONSTRUCTION (BRIDGES)
Merchants Bridge Main Span Trusses & East Approach Replacement St. Louis, Mo. • Prime Contractor: Walsh Group • Prime Designer: TranSystems Corporation • Owner: Terminal Railroad of St. Louis (TRRA) Reconstructing a historic bridge of this magnitude involved a number of construction-related challenges. Pre-construction environmental clearance and permitting was complex involving multiple federal lead agencies and the bi-state coordination necessitated by this major Mississippi River crossing involving Missouri and Illinois state agencies as well as municipalities. Because this was a federal action with federal permits, NEPA documentation was required to evaluate the potential impacts to the human and natural environment. The rtands.com