If you stop and notice, every SEPTA Regional Rail train is powered by electricity. The entire system is electrified through a web of wires, commonly known as catenary, hanging above the railroad tracks. Imagine how crucial it is that this catenary remains in satisfactory condition. To underscore the importance, SEPTA Power forces have labored since 2001 to meticulously identify and replace worn catenary dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Modernizing the wires increased the railroad’s performance and reliability for our riding customers.
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A view of the Wire Train and other equipment used to replace the overhead wire.
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The Power Department faced a great challenge in figuring how to begin replacement of the catenary on the 210 mile Regional Rail system. They performed a failure analysis using historical data to determine the areas of the railroad with the greatest risk of catenary failure. The result pointed to the wire style powering trains from Temple University through Jenkintown and along the entire West Trenton (R3) Line as the most susceptible to failure. Portions of the line had speed restrictions because of the catenary conditions.
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Workers installing new catenary
as trains continue to roll by.
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After creating a timeline for catenary replacement, the task was determining how to replace wires without interrupting trains scheduled through the work areas. The best approach was to create a rolling construction zone. Crews performed wire replacements within a one or two mile section and trains continued to roll by on an adjacent track. Work progressed as each section would get finished. Other factors like schedule changes, signaling system upgrades and modern wire installation equipment helped make efficient time out of the off-peak and nighttime work shifts.
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Work was conducted day and night to help replace the catenary system.
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Creative construction methods allowed the track had to be reopened for train service after each work shift. Work crews installed new wires opposite the old. Engineers designed rolling transition zones so trains can operate over portions of the completed portions of new wire and back to the old wire seamlessly.
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The special wire train featured a flatbed mounted power lift for workers.
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Work teams using a special SEPTA wire train strung new wire. The train features a flatbed mounted power lift to reach the catenary and trailing supply cars equipped with materials. The old wires were removed once the new wire installation was complete.
SEPTA Power has:
- Installed over 42 miles of wire along the West Trenton (R3) Line
Replaced all wire from Glenside to Wayne Junction
- Replaced all wire from Glenside to Wayne Junction
Utilized contract work to complete the Rail Power Project, a renewal of all wire between 30th Street Station and Suburban Station
Efforts are underway to replace the catenary between Glenside and Lansdale on the Lansdale/Doylestown (R5) Line. Work is scheduled to be complete at the end of 2009.
