01672060

Component

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/175112.aspx

The Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) initial light rail line was planned, designed, and constructed between 1988 and 1993. Implemented without federal funds, the State of Maryland, City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County funded the entire initial project. Unfortunately, funds were not available at that time for a fully double-tracked system along the entire corridor. As a cost control measure, seven sections, totaling 8.2 mi, were designed and constructed as single-track. The existing light rail track configuration was designed to allow trains to proceed at 15-min intervals (headways) in each direction. In 1997 MTA commenced planning a project to improve headways by providing double track throughout the original light rail system and provide full bidirectional operating capability by upgrading the signal system. Utilizing a design-bid-build approach, MTA contracted for the full double-tracking of the light rail system and other associated upgrades. Constructed over a period of 4 years, with a final budget of $205 million and an FTA grant of $158 million, the double-tracking program was completed in 2006 and has proven to be a great success for MTA. As proven by MTA, a rail system can successfully expand from a cost-constrained initial segment to a more-robust system. There are costs associated with delayed implementation and lessons to be learned from the experience of others, lessons that can help other agencies mitigate costs and headaches in the future.

01613496

English

pp 168-178

2016-9

Transportation Research Circular

13th National Light Rail and Streetcar Conference

9780309450591

Digital/other

Figures; Photos

Costs; Double track; Light rail transit; Railroad construction; Railroad tracks; Single track

Maryland Transit Administration

Baltimore (Maryland)

Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

May 9 2018 10:07AM

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