Amtrak Begins Critical Power Upgrades for Zoo to Paoli Transmission Line

Amtrak has launched essential power system upgrades on the Harrisburg Line, boosting service reliability and efficiency for riders on this busy route. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak has commenced a critical power system overhaul, awarding the first of three significant contracts for its Zoo to Paoli Electrification Transmission Line Program, enhancing the Harrisburg Line’s energy infrastructure. This initiative marks a vital step in Amtrak’s dedication to advancing modern, reliable service for both Amtrak and SEPTA passengers.

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The project spans multiple years, with upgrades targeted for the 18-mile segment stretching from Philadelphia’s Zoo Substation to Chester County’s Paoli Substation, significantly improving power delivery. Under this plan, HNTB has been assigned to manage construction and project oversight specifically for the Bryn Mawr substation and the segment between Bryn Mawr and Paoli.

Amtrak Power Upgrades for Greater Efficiency

Amtrak’s Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery, Laura Mason, underscored the project’s importance, stating that once completed, Amtrak’s Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian trains, along with SEPTA’s Paoli Thorndale Line, will experience improved reliability from a state-of-the-art overhead catenary system (OCS) and advanced power distribution. She emphasized the goal to boost efficiency and dependability across this essential stretch of the railroad network, which has the longest span between substations within the New York-Washington-Harrisburg corridor.

This comprehensive project, a partnership between Amtrak, PennDOT, and SEPTA, entails substantial upgrades, including full overhead wire restoration and pole replacement for the catenary system, as well as relocating the high-voltage (138kV) transmission line to Amtrak-owned property. The plan also includes reinforcing the resiliency of the Bryn Mawr switching station, ensuring long-term service improvements for this busy route.

SEPTA Collaboration on Amtrak’s Zoo to Paoli Line

Notably, key upgrades involve installing 330 new catenary structures, updating static wire components, and upgrading signal power from 3.3kV to a more robust 6.9kV system. Following these enhancements, Amtrak will retire existing off-corridor transmission lines and overhead catenary system (OCS) structures, further consolidating power infrastructure to Amtrak’s properties for heightened operational efficiency.

SEPTA’s CEO and General Manager, Leslie S. Richards, highlighted the essential nature of this upgrade, noting it will deliver substantial benefits for SEPTA riders who rely on the highly trafficked Paoli/Thorndale Line. Richards acknowledged the project’s potential impact, affirming SEPTA’s commitment to cooperating with Amtrak to ensure minimal disruption for travelers during the construction phase.

Once complete, this power system upgrade will deliver a transformative impact on daily operations, advancing customer satisfaction and streamlining transit efficiency across a heavily utilized rail corridor.

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