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Big-picture thinking (and designing).
The Union Station Enhancement Project (USEP) is actually multiple projects in one, all focused on enhancing and expanding Union Station to accommodate more frequent and higher speed train service, increased passenger volumes, and the electrification of the Metrolinx rail network throughout the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). USEP forms part of Metrolinx’s Regional Express Rail (RER) program, and includes two Design-Bid-Build (DBB) contracts and two Design-Build-Finance (DBF) contracts, with the potential for additional DBB contracts as required. Smith + Andersen was engaged as part of the mechanical and electrical design team for the DBB work, and the Technical Advisor for the DBF projects.
Design-Bid-Build work.
As part of the main DBB work, USEP upgraded the existing low-voltage systems (Public Address, closed-circuit television or CCTV, and PINS digital signage) within the train shed. WiFi and infrastructure for a future distributed antenna system was also added for better cellular signal quality. The project also included the completion of platform lighting procured previously, the installation of feature lighting within the atrium glass box, new platform lighting under the atrium glass box and near vertical access elements, and lighting control upgrades. A custom low voltage wireway “spine” was employed to consolidate new devices above platforms (speakers, microphones, cameras, digital signage, wireless access points, media converters, power supplies, lighting, and static signage) as well as the wiring and cabling supporting these devices, to minimize clutter within the historically designated train shed.
Big-picture thinking (and designing).
The Union Station Enhancement Project (USEP) is actually multiple projects in one, all focused on enhancing and expanding Union Station to accommodate more frequent and higher speed train service, increased passenger volumes, and the electrification of the Metrolinx rail network throughout the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). USEP forms part of Metrolinx’s Regional Express Rail (RER) program, and includes two Design-Bid-Build (DBB) contracts and two Design-Build-Finance (DBF) contracts, with the potential for additional DBB contracts as required. Smith + Andersen was engaged as part of the mechanical and electrical design team for the DBB work, and the Technical Advisor for the DBF projects.
Design-Bid-Build work.
As part of the main DBB work, USEP upgraded the existing low-voltage systems (Public Address, closed-circuit television or CCTV, and PINS digital signage) within the train shed. WiFi and infrastructure for a future distributed antenna system was also added for better cellular signal quality. The project also included the completion of platform lighting procured previously, the installation of feature lighting within the atrium glass box, new platform lighting under the atrium glass box and near vertical access elements, and lighting control upgrades. A custom low voltage wireway “spine” was employed to consolidate new devices above platforms (speakers, microphones, cameras, digital signage, wireless access points, media converters, power supplies, lighting, and static signage) as well as the wiring and cabling supporting these devices, to minimize clutter within the historically designated train shed.
New train signal head masts and track sensors were deployed within the station to support train movements and facilitate clearances required for electrified trains powered by a 25 kV overhead catenary system (OCS). Grounding and bonding provisions were put in place for faults that could occur should the future OCS wire detach and contact the train shed or objects within it. Normal, emergency, and uninterruptible power supply power distribution systems are being deployed to support the station infrastructure. Mechanical cooling was added to support electrical and low voltage rooms. A BAS system was completed to facilitate atrium ventilation.
The main DBB work also included “state of good repair” upgrades to the station, including platform reconstruction, platform edge tile installation, leak repair, miscellaneous lighting maintenance work, and mechanical and electrical re-work to facilitate architectural and structural repairs.
A separate DBB project will included a new emergency power plant to replace multiple Metrolinx-owned generators previously situated at the existing Union Station Bus Terminal.
Design-Build-Finance work.
The first DBF project, which is part of Metrolinx RER Package 1, expanded Union Station to the south, adding new platforms and a new concourse space to increase the capacity of the station. The southern expansion supported platforms built directly adjacent to Scotiabank Arena, filling in space previously occupied by three side-by-side tracks. The new platforms and concourse were fit-up with a full complement of low voltage customer facing systems (PA/CCTV/PINS/wi-fi/Fare Systems), as well as traditional mechanical systems. The new and expanded platforms at the south end of the station were complete with in-platform glycol snow-melting, with strong consideration being given to using Enwave District Energy as a hot water source.
The second DBF project, which is part of Metrolinx RER Package 3, reconfigures the platforms and tracks within the existing heritage train shed to widen platforms and straighten tracks to better accommodate higher speed electric trains and more frequent train schedules. The project will also improve vertical access to the station to get passengers on and off the platforms more quickly. Grounding and bonding provisions made as part of the DBB project will be integrated into a complete system as part of this work.
