VASONA SIGNAL CIRCUIT REPLACEMENT

VTA is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced firms to perform a comprehensive assessment of the existing Vasona Corridor signal system and to provide full engineering design services for signal system upgrades. The existing signal system for light rail within the Vasona Corridor currently utilizes the AFTAC II train detection system and Electrocode DC systems with fixed blocks, managed by the Vital Harmon Logic Controller (VHLC) microprocessor system. The VHLC system also coordinates the US&S gate mechanisms for protecting the highway-rail grade crossings on the corridor, shared with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) freight trains. This design scope should account for the independent, upcoming signals changes on the rest of the VTA system. In completed designs by others, VTA is upgrading UPRR train predictor systems from obsolete HXP-3R to Alstom XP4 systems on Vasona corridor, and overhauling the VHLC microprocessor system with ElectroLogixs on Guadalupe Southline corridor. VTA is also exploring a new design for its future fleet of cars, which anticipates new onboard technologies for positive train control, and a different car length and braking distance. Assumptions on future car specifications should be documented throughout this assessment and design process. The selected firm will be responsible for preparing complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (“PS&E”), and for providing support services during the bidding and construction phases of the Project.