JMA prepared recommendations regarding the feasibility of establishing a partial or full Quiet Zone through the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Warm Spring Subdivision corridor in San Jose, to provide relief from train horns for the residential neighborhoods. JMA performed calculations and evaluated risks associated with the safety measures in comparison with the Risk Index for the 14 at-grade crossings in the corridor. In addition, JMA prepared conceptual engineering drawings, construction takeoffs associated with the proposed crossing improvements and led a 3-day intensive site diagnostic meeting with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), UPRR, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and City to obtain consensus for the proposed safety improvements. In collaboration with JMA on this project, the railroad developed exhibits showing standard crossing details that will be used by UPRR as a guideline when evaluating future at-grade crossing improvement projects in California. JMA proposed the development of this tool with the railroad in order to standardize the process for providing safety input when evaluating the range of crossing configurations encountered, especially in dense, urban corridors. JMA was awarded the final design contract for the scoped improvements at two of the crossings, Jackson Street and 7th Street, that are required for establishment of a partial quiet zone. The crossings are currently at 100% design.
BART’s 34.5kV cables were originally installed underground which caused setbacks for maintenance. JMA provided the civil design to move these cables into the cable trough, improving maintenance access and procedures. JMA prepared the civil grading and routing of the 34.5kV cable replacement troughs for A, R & C lines and solved complex problems for the at-grade segments consisting of the 18,000+ foot (A-line), 7,000+ foot (R-line), and 13,500 + foot (C-line), which included: A & R Lines: JMA managed the preparation of key plans, civil cross sections, civil details, specifications, quantities, and a drainage memorandum in association with the at-grade cable alignment for 3.7 and 1.5 miles of BART ROW, respectively. Traffic control plans were also provided for the project sites at overhead structures. C-Line: JMA led the preparation of 34.5 kV trough alignment and drainage, site grading, and drainage to support the installation of new equipment, and preparation of traffic control plans for 3.0 miles of BART ROW.
BART’s Traction Control Modernization Program (TCMP) aimed for the replacement of existing train control systems with a new communications-based train control system. BART’s goal for the project was to achieve the shorter headways needed to greatly improve system reliability, reducing delay incidents, and increasing ridership. In a supporting role, JMA designed the civil elements, including drainage, of the new train control cable troughs and Switch Power Supply Cabinets (SPSC) to power switch machines at numerous crossovers and turnouts system wide. JMA conducted many site visits during blanket hours with BART to assess existing conditions and proposed the new trough alignment. The project consisted of 9 at-grade locations and an additional 5 aerial locations for which the JMA team produced civil plans and details based on systemwide aerial topographic survey. The 100% design was approved by BART and the project entered construction in 2022.
JMA was the Civil Design Lead for the site civil plans and details of 5 traction power substations and gap breaker facilities, including the Walnut Creek station facility (CWC), Daly City substation (MDC), Oakland West substation (KOW) and KXA and KYD gap breakers. The JMA team completed site civil designs, managed the utility potholing and surveying efforts of others, prepared the traffic maintenance plans, and coordinated with the local municipalities for City review and approvals. Additionally, JMA provided design support during construction. At the Walnut Creek station facility (CWC), JMA completed the final site civil design for a substantial upgrade of site utilities. JMA’s scope included: site grading and drainage, truck and emergency vehicle access, relocation of existing wet and dry utilities, coordination of construction phasing with adjacent passenger station operations and new TOD, and coordination of a PG&E new service feed.
JMA led the Track Design for the Planning & Engineering Team for BART/CCJPA’s joint program to envision transformational transit connections across the Northern California Megaregion. JMA authored a detailed study of the opportunities and challenges for transit expansion in freight and shared corridors in the megaregion and prepared conceptual alignments for up to 220 miles of shared railroad corridors connecting to a new transbay tunnel. This work includes collaboration with service planners to evaluate and determine the optimal location and size of maintenance facilities, yards, and associated end/start of service infrastructure required to support the designed service by analyzing the existing facilities and infrastructure within the study area and identifying strengths and limitations. The team is also explored opportunities to establish new facilities and/or consolidate existing facilities to optimal operation locations. Additionally, JMA evaluated potential sites that meet the service requirements and assessing the feasibility of incorporating facilities at these sites into the overall service design. JMA is conceptualizing potential site layouts of the yards and maintenance facilities at these locations, taking into consideration factors such as operational efficiency, safety, environmental and equity impacts. This process will ultimately result in the selection of the most suitable locations for the new or consolidated facilities needed to support the designed service. Learn more about the Link21 Program.
