Waterloo Stage 1 Light Rail Project

Kitchener, Ontario

Mass. Electric Construction Co. (MEC) was the rail systems installer for the Waterloo design-build project, which included the design, manufacturing, procurement, installation and commissioning. The project scope included:

• 25 signaling control points
• 12 permanent signalized grade crossings
• Maintenance of seven existing freight crossings
• 14 on-board equipment packages
• A new maintenance yard/shop with operations control center
• 13 pre-fabricated TPSS, OCS, communications systems
• Full systems testing, and commissioning

In planning its work, MEC had to take into account its impact on passenger rail service that interfaced with the corridor. This included maintaining the operations of GO Transit, VIA Rail and CN. The reliance of passengers on the railway meant that operations could not be compromised. Close and continuous coordination with the passenger and freight railways was required to communicate planned work and take measures to maintain continuous and uninterrupted passenger operation. This included the modification of train layover facilities and staging of its work during prescribed shutdown periods as to not affect passenger operations. Work was planned to avoid impact to the existing railway station and passenger facilities.