PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Consumer Protection and Safety Division Rail Transit and Crossings Branch Rail Transit Safety Section |
Resolution ST-130 July 28, 2011 |
RESOLUTION ST-130. GRANTING APPROVAL OF THE
SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
SAFETY CERTIFICATION PLAN FOR THE BLUE LINE CROSSOVER AND SIGNALING PROJECT __________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
This Resolution grants the San Diego Association Government's (SANDAG) request for approval of its "Safety Certification Plan for the San Diego Association of Governments Blue Line Crossover and Signaling Project" Revision 1, dated March 23, 2011.
BACKGROUND
Commission General Order 164-D, Rules and Regulations Governing State Safety Oversight of Rail Fixed Guideway Systems, requires Rail Fixed Guideway Systems to prepare a project specific Safety Certification Plan (SCP) for each major project and ensure that all entities involved in design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project comply with its requirements. The SCP ensures that project elements critical to safety are planned, designed, constructed, analyzed, tested, inspected, and implemented. The SCP also ensures that training is provided and rules and procedures are followed.
By letter dated April 20, 2011, SANDAG submitted the "Safety Certification Plan for the San Diego Association of Governments Blue Line Crossover and Signaling Project" to CPUC staff (staff) for review and requested Commission approval.
The scope of the Blue Line Crossover and Signaling project includes installation of new interlocked crossovers, interlocking existing electric crossovers, signal system revisions, reverse running grade crossings, fiber optic connections for the signal system, new grade crossing mechanisms, new crossing equipment cases, replacement of incandescent signal lights with light emitting diodes (LED) and new relay cases.
The project location is on the San Diego Trolley, Inc. (SDTI) Blue Line right-of-way between the 12th and Imperial Transit Center in San Diego and the San Ysidro Trolley Station. The new systems and equipment will be installed on the existing, operating trolley line with limited passenger service interruption throughout construction, installation and testing.
NOTICE
Notice of the filing was made in the Commission's Daily Calendar on July 21, 2011.
PROTESTS
No protests or objections have been filed with the Commission.
DISCUSSION
The Blue Line and Crossover and Signaling Project is one of five phases in the Metropolitan Transit System's (SDMTS) Blue Line Renewal Project to replace the original infrastructure after nearly 30 years of revenue train service. The SDMTS has received Federal Transit Administration funding to replace the existing tracks, station platforms, overhead catenary wire system, and the existing switching, signaling, and crossovers. The Renewal Project results in improved station amenities, raises station platforms for the future fleet of Siemens S70 Ultra-short Low Floor Light Rail Vehicles, and decreases passenger service travel times. Construction work began in mid-Fall 2010 and is scheduled for completion in Year 2015.
The SCP is filed by SANDAG as required by General Order 164-D. SANDAG worked with staff to ensure the safety certification plan is comprehensive. Staff reviewed the SCP and found it to be in accordance with General Order 164-D.
COMMENTS
The draft resolution of CPSD was mailed to SANDAG, SDTI, and the SDMTS in accordance with Section 311 of the Public Utilities Code and Rule 14.2(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. Parties' of Interest comments will be due on July 18, 2011.
FINDINGS
1. By letter dated April 20, 2011, SANDAG submitted its "Safety Certification Plan for the San Diego Association of Governments Blue Line Crossover and Signaling Project" to staff for review and Commission approval.
2. The project location is on the San Diego Trolley, Inc. Blue Line right-of-way between the 12th and Imperial Transit Center in San Diego and the San Ysidro Trolley Station.
3. The scope of the Blue Line Crossover and Signaling project includes improvements and upgrades to track crossovers, the track signaling system and automatic grade crossing warning systems.
4. Staff reviewed the SCP and found it to be in accordance with General Order 164-D.
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED THAT:
1. The San Diego Association of Government's (SANDAG) request for approval of its "Safety Certification Plan for the San Diego Association of Governments Blue Line Crossover and Signaling Project" is granted.
2. This Resolution is effective today.
I certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, passed and adopted at a conference of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California held on July 28, 2011, the following Commissioners voting favorably thereon:
_________________________ |
PAUL CLANON |
Executive Director |
APPENDIX A
