Wescom Solutions - Past Experience

BACKGROUND:

The Caltrain Electrification Project is a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing and improving the Caltrain commuter rail service in the San Francisco Bay Area. By electrifying the existing rail system, the project aims to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and offer a more sustainable and convenient transportation option for the region's residents. 

KEY OBJECTIVES:

• Electrification: Replace diesel trains with electric ones, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.
• Capacity and Reliability: Improve travel times and service frequency with electric trains for a more reliable service.
• Environmental Benefits: Cut the carbon footprint and reduce noise pollution along the rail corridor.
• Economic Impact: Drive economic growth through job creation and improved connectivity.
• Interoperability: Ensure compatibility with future high-speed rail services, fostering regional network integration.

KEY FEATURES:

• Electrified Tracks: Install overhead catenary systems and electrification infrastructure along the corridor.
• Modern Electric Trains: Replace diesel locomotives with new electric trainsets, improving performance and passenger comfort.
• Station Upgrades: Enhance stations to accommodate electrified trains.
• Safety Enhancements: Improve safety with grade separations and advanced signaling systems.

WESCOM SOLUTIONS HIGHLIGHTS:

Wescom Solutions' OCS Inspection Services played a key role in ensuring the reliability and safety of the Caltrain Electrification project. With a commitment to excellence, we provided oversight of OCS crews, covering everything from acceptance testing to inspections and installations. Our experienced team served as a trusted consultant, monitoring progress, resolving issues, and maintaining high-quality standards outlined in contract documents. We documented work progress through comprehensive technical reports, including photographs, sketches, spreadsheets, and detailed documentation. We collaborated with technical staff, project managers, and contractors to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring the rail infrastructure met and exceeded industry standards. 

BACKGROUND:

The project aims to help with higher service levels on the Metro Red/Purple Lines. Metro is planning facility improvements, including a widening of the heavy rail tunnel south of the US-101 freeway and a new turnback facility in the Division 20 rail yard, allowing for improved service times. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Managed all aspects of systems design and construction, including traction electrification, ductbank, communications and train control. Coordinated review of all systems submittals, RFI responses and designs for compliance with contract documents as well as local and federal regulations (CPUC, IEEE, AREMA, NEC, etc). Coordinated with and managed the contractor for all production activities and testing. Coordinated all testing and project resources in conjunction with Metro Operations.

Managed a team of Operations Support personnel to backfill Maintenance of Way (Wayside and Engineering) representatives for advancement of the project, and managed/coordinated project track allocations. Managed the planning, coordination with all Metro stakeholders, and execution for cutovers. Scheduled and provided EIC for active and non-active rail environments, scheduled and coordinated MOW support and activities.

BACKGROUND:

The Metro Blue Line/A line had to undergo a complete OCS refurbishment of an existing alignment and an addition of two new interlockings. All work had to be completed on an accelerated timeline on half of the alignment, while the other half remained fully operational.  

HIGHLIGHTS:

Prepared preliminary engineering design package for traction electrification rehab (drawings and specs). Created, implemented and managed the execution of the Systems Integrated Test plan, managed Systems Integration Test team as SIT manager and performed Systems Integrated Tests for train control and OCS. 

Managed project systems personnel, scheduled and coordinated EIC and MOW support personnel. Coordinated closely with all Metro stakeholders (Operations, Operations Liaisons, MOW, Program Management, Fire Life Safety, and Systems Engineering), the Contractor and the California Public Utilities Commission to assist the project team in delivering the A Line (Blue Line) projects safely and on time..

BACKGROUND:

Kansas City's first street car was one of the fastest federally-funded projects ever completed. It welcomed over 32,000 passengers opening weekend and is now a strong contributor's to Kansas City's economic growth. The 2.2mile route runs primarily along main street with expansion plans already underway. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Designed entire Overhead Contact System including assemblies, layouts, writing specifications, and technical calculations. 

Coordinated pole placement and joint use poles with various project stakeholders, providing integration support between civil and systems disciplines.

BACKGROUND:

Sound transit is building the most ambitious transit expansion in the country with new services opening every few years.  

HIGHLIGHTS:

Performed pole loading, designed OCS wiring layouts, designed assembly drawings and technical sheets. Coordinated with civil and architectural design teams regarding OCS design and installation. Responded to construction RFIs and submittals and provided oversight for integrated testing. 

BACKGROUND:

The El Paso streetcar project encompassed returning vintage streetcars for daily use for the first time since 1974. The 4.8 mile route consists of two loops onnecting the International Bridges, downtown retail areas, government buildings, Convention Center and downtown ballpark with the medical center, University of Texas at El Paso, and several historic neighborhoods. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Designed OCS for starter alignment, included assemblies, layouts, writing specifications, cost/labor estimate and technical calculations. Provided design services during construction which included responding to construction RFIs and submittals, and coordination with the contractor. 

BACKGROUND:

The Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project is a key component of the Caltrain Modernization Program and consists of converting Caltrain from diesel-hauled to Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains. The project will entail the installation of new electrical infrastructure and the purchase of electrified vehicles.  

HIGHLIGHTS:

Estimated construction durations for electrification of existing double track alignment; provided support and preliminary concepts for Maintenance of Way infrastructure needs. Provided estimates for required manpower, equipment needs, and office/warehouse space required to maintain the system once it was electrified. 

BACKGROUND:

The West Rail Line is the first light rail line to open under RTD’s FasTracks Program and included the construction of 12.1 miles of light rail transit extending from Denver’s Union Station to Jefferson County Government Center, traveling through Denver, Lakewood, and Golden. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Provided field support for OCS electrical testing, and on-call OCS construction activities. Evaluated cost estimates, and performed cost estimate comparisons.

Provided design support, and field inspection of Systems On-Call work for upgrading and improving the RTD alignment.

BACKGROUND:

The Sugar House Streetcar project, which began construction in 2012, is the first modern streetcar line to be implemented in Salt Lake City. The 2-mile streetcar line connects the south central TRAX station with Sugarmont drive. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Assisted on design of OCS for the alignment, including assemblies, layouts, writing specifications, cost/labor estimate and technical calculations. Reviewed contractor submittals for approval, and provided responses for RFI’s. 

BACKGROUND:

The line connects southeast Portland neighborhoods along interstate 205. It introduced light rail into Clackamas County and created a downtown light rail line from Portland State University to Union Station. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Supervised linemen to install 3 miles of single track SWAT and SWFT OCS on embedded track downtown Portland at Portland Mall. Supervised linemen while installing 7 miles of double track SCAT OCS including TPSS Feeder cable at i-205. Two 48 hour weekend shut downs were required to cut the new construction into the existing OCS.

Utilized IFC drawings, shop drawings and specifications to install OCS. Managed submittal of products to meet specifications called out by authority; assisted in training TriMet personnel on the supplied OCS equipment upon project completion. Coordinated specialty training on Kumax Crossings for TriMet. Performed troubleshooting of OCS design/installation issues during commissioning. Inspected all OCS installed during the project.