Increased Capacity Throughout BART’s Rail System

BART’s trains are electrically powered through a third-rail system. With more frequent and longer trains, BART needs the traction power system that supplies electricity to the third rail to be enhanced with several new traction power substations. The new substations are part of an effort to upgrade the whole power supply system (conduit, cables (34.5kv), and substations) with modern shielded cabling and new distribution hardware so the power can be properly stepped down and fed into the 1000-volt, electrified third rail. The third rail is what brings power to the train cars, via conductive metal collector shoes skimming along the third rail’s surface.  Installation of the new traction power substations throughout the system is part of the Measure RR rebuilding efforts and strategies to increase the system’s capacity. New substations, along with upgrades to the train control system and a new fleet of rail cars allow BART to increase peak capacity by 30% through the Transbay Tube.

Project Elements

15EK-210 Procurement of Traction Power Substation – Phase 1

This project involved procuring and installing four new Traction Power Substations (TPSS) at the following locations. West Oakland Substation (KOW), Coliseum Substation (ACO), San Leandro Substation (ASL), and Bay Tube East (KTE).

15EK-230 Procurement of Portable Traction Power Substations

This project involved procuring three complete portable traction power substations (PTPSSs), with an option for the procurement of one (1) additional PTPSS.

Procurement and Contract Management

Ghirardelli Associate served as the District Representative to administer and monitor the contract. Specifically, the team coordinated with outside agencies and internal BART departments and was directly responsible for procurement management. They scheduled and conducted weekly progress meetings, reviewed and respond to Procurement Contractor submittals, RFIs, and letters, maintained the Filing System, strictly followed the CM’s QA Audit, processed change orders and change notices, prepared engineering cost estimates, reviewed Notice of Potential Claims (NOPCs), provided recommendations, and resolved disputes with the contractor.

Critical Upgrades

This project was critical to maintaining electrical power throughout the BART rail system.  Given that the traction power substations are supplied by an electrical manufacturer, yet installed by BART, constant communication and coordination were required from all personnel involved with the project.