DART Red and Blue Line Platform Extensions

Our Diversified Electrical Solutions (DES) and Management Solutions divisions helped come around this bold project for the DART Red and Blue Line Platform Extensions. Working as a TEAM and JV Partner/Subcontractor, we were able to maximize schedules and sequencing to deliver 28 stops. Below are just a few of the project highlights.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Red and Blue Line Platform Extensions extends four aerial stations, 22 at-grade stations, and two below-grade stations (originally constructed prior to 2004) and raises platform levels to ensure easy passenger boarding. The project extends existing stations to accommodate three-car light rail vehicles (LRV) trains with level boarding where the previous station design only accommodated two train cars. By expanding the platforms at these stations, three-car trains can be operated system-wide, and the capacity of the Red and Blue Line Service will be significantly increased.

Construction schedules and work execution were completed with minimal impact to patrons and areas in and around the stations. The work has two phases: Phase One involves raising platforms, and Phase Two involves extending the raised platforms.

Phase One Scope included raising the platforms at aerial, at-grade, and below-grade stations by 7.5 inches to accommodate level boarding. The new platforms measure 15.5 inches from the top of the rail to the top of the warning strip. Other features of the platform, like windscreens, tree grates, and light poles, will also be raised. Aerial stations will need a little more work to raise standpipes, water valve boxes, stairways, and elevator landings.

Once platforms were leveled, Phase Two’s extension work began to increase the length of station platforms.

Once the extension work is complete, platforms at these stations will be 450 feet long, made up of a 38-foot minimum boarding area, 27.5-foot end-ramp on one end, 16.5-foot end-ramp on the other end, and 10-foot crossing at each end.

DES was involved in all five station groups, including Group A, Group B&C, and Group D&E providing electrical and systems. In a unique capacity-building contract, on the Group B&C package, DES served as a subcontractor on the Group B stations and was elevated to a prime joint venture partner for the Group C work.

Sector: Transportation-Rail

Location: Dallas, TX

Owner: Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Components: Two Below-Grade Stations, 22 At-Grade Stations, Four Aerial Stations.