Project Description

The primary purpose of the Caltrain electrification project is to improve system performance and curtail long-term environmental impacts by reducing noise, improving regional air quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Caltrain Electrification is a key component of the CalMod Program. The current project will electrify the corridor from San Francisco to San Jose and will replace 75% of Caltrain’s diesel service with electric.

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Scope of Services

RSE currently has an ongoing work directive (task order) to provide preliminary engineering and engineering support for the Electrification Project. The overall scope of work includes:

• Preparing standard drawings for the configuration of an overhead catenary system

• Preparing grounding and bonding criteria and standards

• Outlining specifications

• Providing engineering support

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Preliminary Engineering

RSE’s preliminary engineering support included:

• Corridor wide mapping

• Right-of-way engineering

• Evaluation of right-of-way acquisition plans

• Environmental clearances for right-of-way takes

• Utility and right-of-way mapping

• Operation analysis support

 

Engineering Support

Engineering support provided by RSE included various engineering analyses and technical studies for track alignment and speed analysis.

The main focus was establishing the track alignment for the entire 52-mile Caltrain commuter rail corridor. The track alignment was provided to Caltrain as the basis for the engineering design of the electrification project. In addition to preparing engineering documents and drawings, RSE also provided engineering review for third party improvements from CAHSR's blended system design and local agencies' grade separation projects and grade crossing improvements.

 

Engineering Integration

RSE provided technical support for operations and systems review for PTC, vehicle, and electrification to ensure overall compatibility with tenant railroads (Amtrak, Capitol Corridor, ACE, CAHSR) and operations interoperability with freight operations (UPRR).