Hellgate Line Catenary Modifications

Hellgate Line Catenary ModificationsThis project entailed rehabilitation of eight segments of catenary lines from New Rochelle to Sunnyside Yard. The existing systems, which were installed in the 1920s and 1930s, were due for rehabilitation because of age and as a preventative measure to help ensure that the catenary lines would hold in extreme weather events, such as a windstorm.

The project scope included installing 1.5 million pounds of miscellaneous and structural steel to support 15 miles of registered track; adjusting new heights and staggers on the new insulator assemblies for catenary on new and existing structures; removing the old catenary supporting system, which included hanging beam and main messenger support cable; and establishing new controls and communications for a new crossover. Crews installed 132 new structures around bridges to make the wire meet the track’s curve criteria.

An early project milestone was the completion of an interlock. This fast-tracked phase of the project needed to be completed by July 31, 2007 to ensure that Amtrak maintained the flexibility to move its trains. Close cooperation between Amtrak and the project team ensured that the milestone was met on time.

Phase 2 consisted of a network of shallow pipelines that intercept the combined storm and sanitary wastewater, drop it down through shafts, and transport it to tunnels for storage until it can be treated. Work included excavation and lining of a 22-ft.-dia. tunnel constructed 85 to 165 ft. below ground and seven separate shafts located along the alignment. Phase 2 began on March 21, 2006, with final completion on December 1, 2011.