MARTA to upgrade tunnel ventilation system

7 January 2016


USA - The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has inked a contract worth USD 198.5M to revamp and enhance its tunnel ventilation system (TVS).

Archer Western Construction will act as the primary contractor, while Cleveland Electric, R. F. Knox, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and up to eight Disadvantaged Business Enterprises will participate as subcontractors.

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

The tunnel ventilation system covers about nine miles of subway tunnel and underground rail stations, about 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 interim assistant general manager of capital programs and development David Springstead said: "MARTA is ahead of the curve for dedicating a significant portion of its capital improvement budget to upgrading our tunnel ventilation system.

"In the transit industry, this is the largest single contract focused on this type of enhancement."
The improvement project is set to commence in early 2016.