Amtrak, Brill Substation to Landlith Interlocking SOGR Overhead Catenary Structure

Project Overview

The section of the NEC Corridor beginning at Brill Substation Philadelphia and ending at Landlith Interlocking in Delaware is made up of 3- and 4-track territory with 19 curves and four interlockings. This section of the corridor was originally electrified by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1920s. The overhead catenary system (OCS) and the supporting catenary structures in this location are beyond a state of good repair and must be replaced entirely. The 22-mile stretch of electrification consists of a 138,000-volt transmission, 12,000-volt traction power and 6,900-volt aerial signal power feeder system. This portion of the corridor is complex, sharing service with SEPTA Regional Rail operations and Delmarva Transmission overbuild. Local power utility and fiber optic service is being connected to the existing and replaced catenary structures.

The project limits extend from structure W-25 at Brill to the southbound home signal structure W-436 at Landlith. As the Northeast Corridor continues to be brought to a state-of-good-repair and continues to be upgraded due to changes in operations, the design team shall be cognizant of these efforts and coordinate with Amtrak’s Electric Traction, Communication/ Signals, Track and Planning departments during the relocation of electrification facilities as they relate to the current NEC Master Track Plan for the Northeast Corridor. The planned work will be performed under weekend and overnight shutdown conditions.  The project itself will not start until design is complete in 2024 and is expected (currently) to require up to 8 years to complete.

Envision is providing professional cost estimating, CPM scheduling and public involvement services for this assignment including the construction schedule, cost estimate, and pricing schedule. Envision is responsible for implementing a community outreach element in the design process that will involve the bordering municipalities along the project limits. This includes attending town meetings, giving project-specific presentations and supplying project-approved materials for review to ensure municipalities are kept well informed of specific project elements concerning their jurisdiction. This task would support NEPA requirements for public outreach.