LAN awarded DART platform extension contract
Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has awarded a contract to civil engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) to manage the extension of platforms at 28 of its stations.
DART said the project will enhance platforms along its Red and Blue light-rail lines to accommodate 3-car trains. Changes to the stations will extend four aerial stations, 22 at-grade stations and two below-grade stations, in addition to adding raised platform areas to allow for level boarding.
“The added capacity will help open some rush hour trips that are extremely full. This makes those trips available to more people and gives them a better experience,” said John Rhone, DART’s vice president.
The Red and Blue lines are currently limited to two-car trains because of the platform lengths at 28 stations. Expanding the platforms at the stations will enable three-car trains to be operated system-wide, which the transit authority said will dramatically increase capacity throughout the system.
DART officials have estimated that when the project has been completed, capacity on the light-rail system will rise by 50 percent.
“During the initial design of the rail system, DART proactively planned to trigger station platform extensions once the need was warranted by ridership,” said Chris Masters, P.E., LAN’s vice president. “The project will ease congestion during peak hours, reduce commuting times and provide a more comfortable ride for passengers. We are looking forward to working with DART to deliver the project in a timely and coordinated manner that enhances the rider experience.”
The project is valued at about $124 million and design work is currently underway, officials said. Construction is set to launch in the summer of 2019.
