Electrification Study - VIA High Frequency Rail Project
Electrification Study - VIA High Frequency Rail Project
The Main objective of this study was to develop a cost estimate for the electrification of the proposed Ottawa-Toronto corridor for VIA Rail’s High Frequency Rail Project.
DESCRIPTION
SYSTRA Canada’s (Formerly CANARAIL) mandate included the establishment of design criteria and the development of a construction plan for the implementation of a catenary electrification system. Furthermore, the study included the preparation of a Class 3 capital cost estimate at a -20/+30% accuracy and a preliminary operating cost estimate.
The specific services provided by SYSTRA Canada were as follows:
- Definition of design criteria;
- Technical option analysis to determine the appropriate electrification strategy;
- Preliminary design of the electrification system;
- Identification of preliminary quantities and land acquisition requirements;
- Preparation of a condensed profile of electrification systems and typical layout plans;
- Preparation of a construction plan and schedule;
- Preparation of a Class 3 capital cost estimate (-20/+30%) for four scenarios:
- Electrifying the railway during the initial construction period;
- Electrifying the railway after operations have begun;
- Construction of the overhead catenary system with minimum top-of-rail to contact wire clearances;
- Construction of the overhead catenary system with sufficient top-of-rail to contact wire clearances to accommodate maximum freight train height along the full Ottawa-Toronto corridor;
- Calculation of electrical power consumption using simulations performed with its Train Performance Calculator;
- Estimating the operating costs related to the electrification system.