Innovative Design Solutions Speed Construction of Commuter Rail Corridor

This paper will detail the design challenges and construction of the extension of the New Mexico Rail Runner commuter rail corridor from Bernalillo, NM to Santa Fe, NM. Numerous innovative solutions were implemented in the design and construction of the project to meet the aggressive schedule dictated by the client. The project was awarded to the design-build contractor in August 2007 and the line was opened to traffic in December 2008. This project was an important component of the New Mexico statewide transportation improvement project. Project final design and construction plans for the 18 mile extension were completed in five months. Construction started prior to completion of the final construction documents. The design was planned to provide a steady flow of Approved for Construction (AFC) documents to facilitate construction. Project highlights included eighteen miles of welded rail on concrete ties, six railroad bridges, one highway bridge overpass, two rail passing sidings, six concrete box rail crossings and 18 miles of new 136lb welded rail on concrete ties. The project is designed to meet the operating requirements of Class IV track and an operating speed of 79 mph. The major civil quantities included two million cubic yards of earthwork, 59,000 square feet of MSE retaining walls, 263,000 tons of ballast and subballast, 98,000 track feet of rail, and 50,000 concrete ties. The project team (NMDOT and Design-Build Consortium) collaborated by meeting weekly and reviewing plans and solutions, prior to acceptance for construction. Key to this effort was the use of the 3D design model created for the entire project leading to refining of the project quantities, reducing cost and allowing the NMDOT to remain within the budget established for this project.