FREQUENTLY THE WAY WE MOVE METRO LINE ASKED QUESTIONS UPDATE WINTER 2014 2013 CONSTRUCTION SEASON COMPLETED SIGNAL SYSTEM AND FINAL CLEANUP WORK IN 2014 Building an LRT project like the Metro Line is a massive undertaking that involves hundreds of people; thousands of pounds of concrete, steel and rebar; and the patience and understanding of an entire city. After five years, Edmontonians can finally see the result of this undertaking. The Metro Line’s TWO LRT LINES WILL OPERATE ON ONE SET OF TRACKS final construction season has ended and construction BETWEEN HEALTH SCIENCES STATION AND CHURCHILL will be completed on time this February. STATION, SHOWN HERE FROM THE NORTH. While construction is on track, there have been delays with the delivery of the project’s complex A Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system new signalling system. These delays mean that the is being installed to control trains and intersections Metro Line will open to service later than originally on the Metro Line, and trains in the downtown tunnels anticipated. The opening was initially scheduled on the Capital Line, which runs from Clareview for April this year, but is now expected in late to Century Park. The CBTC must be seamlessly June to ensure safe and reliable LRT service for integrated with the existing train control system Edmontonians. on the Capital Line so that operators know how far “This is the first time we’ve had more than one LRT trains are from each other and can adjust their speeds line in Edmonton,” said Program Manager Brad Smid. accordingly. The CBTC will also ensure that traffic “We’re going to have two lines running on the same signals and crossing warning systems (warning bells, track between Health Sciences Station and Churchill flashing lights and gates) at intersections along the Station, and we need to make sure that our signalling Metro Line are activated at the right time to allow systems are routing trains and traffic safely before for the safe and efficient flow of trains, motorists we can open the Metro Line.” and pedestrians. Continued on page 2 WWW.EDMONTON.CA/METROLINE METRO LINE UPDATE | WINTER 2014 2 PROJECT OVERVIEW WHERE WE ARE TRACKS Rail has been installed throughout the Metro Line right-of-way, and ground down to meet the exact wheel profile of ETS light rail vehicles. Final adjustments are being made to the tracks at intersections to minimize wear and tear, and enhance durability. Traction power substations (the facilities that power the catenary system) have been tested and powered up. The catenary system (the overhead wires that power the trains) will be energized early in 2014 so that trains can run along the tracks on their own power as part of the testing and commissioning process. Once the electrical system is up and running, it will A RAIL GRINDING MACHINE ENSURES THAT METRO LINE TRACKS ARE THE PERFECT FIT FOR ETS TRAINS. be more important than ever to stay off the tracks and to obey all signs and signals at intersections along the Metro Line right-of-way. For more information on staying safe during testing and commissioning, view the video at www.edmonton.ca/metrolinesafety. Continued from cover page The City is working with the line’s signalling ROADWORK contractor to minimize the delay. Meanwhile, the Metro Line project team is wrapping up Roadwork is complete, with the exception of a few construction with some final cleanup work. minor paving activities that will be finished in the The testing and commissioning process spring once weather permits. continues, including the testing of each component in the system (on the tracks and in each facility) and the testing of the integration of these components. Preparations have also begun for the opening event. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the opening of the Metro Line, particularly because it gives us the opportunity to thank everyone that was involved in making it happen: from our project engineers and construction team for all their hard work, to Edmontonians for their patience and support during construction,” said Smid. “We’ll have to wait a few months longer than expected to open the new line, but it will be worth the wait.” THE CATENARY WILL BE ENERGIZED IN EARLY 2014. 2 METRO LINE UPDATE | WINTER 2014 WWW.EDMONTON.CA/METROLINE THE TUNNEL STRUCTURE IS COMPLETE. STATIONS TUNNEL The majority of construction is complete at The tunnel structure is complete, and contractors Kingsway/Royal Alex Station, Kingsway/Royal Alex are putting the finishing touches on electrical and Transit Centre and NAIT Station. Interior finishing mechanical systems. work will continue at MacEwan Station through the winter. Architectural handrails featuring tempered glass will also be installed at MacEwan Station and Kingsway/Royal Alex Station. All stations and the transit centre have power and heat. Individual mechanical and electrical systems are being tested at each facility, including elevators, escalators, lighting, plumbing, security systems, train notification systems and ventilation. Landscaping work continues, with a focus on completing concrete structures in MacEwan Plaza over the winter. Soft landscaping (the planting of CONTRACTORS WORK ON THE INTERIORS shrubs, perennials and trees) will resume and be AT MACEWAN STATION. completed in the spring. Where we are today Strategy Concept Design BUILD Operate PHASE WWW.EDMONTON.CA/METROLINE METRO LINE UPDATE | WINTER 2014 3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How will Metro Line tie in with the downtown arena development? The Metro Line project team has been working closely The City will build a pedestrian connection between with the arena development team to integrate the two MacEwan Station and the arena, and a pedestrian adjacent projects. corridor through the arena development, linking the LRT to the Winter Garden. These connections are not Although streetscaping of 105 Avenue between part of the Metro Line construction project, and will 101 Street and 103 Street was initially planned be built after the line has become operational. as part of Metro Line construction, it has been transferred over to the arena project. Arena design For more information on the arena, visit: and construction will have a direct impact on that www.edmonton.ca/downtownarena. portion of 105 Avenue, so it made sense to co-ordinate streetscaping with the arena. A CONCEPT RENDERING OF THE DOWNTOWN ARENA, WITH MACEWAN STATION AND MACEWAN PLAZA IN THE FOREGROUND. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LRT PROJECTS This newsletter is available online. In addition to quarterly newsletters about the For further information or Metro Line, LRT Projects posts monthly updates and construction bulletins online, to comment, please contact: and sends digital copies to an email distribution list. If you wish to be added to the LRT Projects Information Line: distribution list please send an email to [email protected] with “Subscribe 780.496.4874 to Metro Line” in the subject line. LRT Projects Email: [email protected] We welcome your comments and questions about Edmonton’s LRT Projects. Please check the LRT Projects web pages for updates. LRT Projects Website: www.edmonton.ca/lrtprojects 1 4 METRO LINE UPDUPDATEATE | WINTERFALL 2013 2014 WWW.EDMONTON.CA/METROLINE.