MARTA to overhaul tunnel ventilation system

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) recently signed a $198.5-million contract to overhaul and upgrade its tunnel ventilation system (TVS). This improvement project, which is slated to begin in early 2016, advances the agency's ongoing commitment to safe and efficient transit operations.

 

Archer Western Construction, LLC is the primary contractor, while Cleveland Electric, R. F. Knox, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and up to eight disadvantaged business enterprises (seven of which are local) will participate as subcontractors.

The six-year base contract totals $165 million with an additional $33.5 million in contract options that include an extended warranty, hardware refresh and provisions for long-term system operations and maintenance.

MARTA’s TVS covers about nine miles of subway tunnel and underground rail stations, roughly one-fifth of the rail system’s total footprint. MARTA’s TVS includes a network of fans and dampers that effectively control and direct air flow during normal rail operations and in emergency situations.

“MARTA is ahead of the curve for dedicating a significant portion of its capital improvement budget to upgrading our tunnel ventilation system,” said David Springstead, interim assistant general manager of capital programs and development. “In the transit industry, this is the largest single contract focused on this type of enhancement.”

 

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