Anaheim Canyon Station Improvements

About Project

The Anaheim Canyon Station, located just north of SR-91 near La Palma and Tustin Avenues, is an important stop along Metrolink's Inland Empire-Orange County line, with more than 36 trains traveling through the area daily.  The Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station Improvement Project will include: a new second passenger platform with amenities, extending the existing passenger platform, a new second track of approximately 3,400 feet, and improvements at La Palma and Tustin Avenue grade crossings. The project was funded by Orange County’s voter-approved Measure M sales tax for transportation improvements (OC Go), and federal funds. The improvements are expected to enhance rail service reliability and on-time performance for Metrolink passengers.

Project Scope, Successes

PRE completed the signal and communications design under two Metrolink PTC C&S contracts: E733-09 CTO 144 and E742-16 CTO36. Design support during construction was completed under E742-16 CTO 76.

The project began with a preliminary design phase performed by an OCTA selected general engineering design firm.  As a systems specialist, PRE was brought into the project by Metrolink to generate a systems estimate that unfortunately significantly exceeded the initial estimated costs.  The project was delayed while additional funding was sought. Once funding had been obtained, PRE completed the design for Metrolink in parallel with the OCTA selected general engineering design firm.  

PRE completed new signal end of siding control points: CP Miraloma and CP Riverdale. During design PRE recognized that a SCORE signal respace improvement project component being developed in parallel for the Olive subdivision should be incorporated with the Anaheim Canyon station project.  This improvement was the conversion of CP Meats to an intermediate signal and the introduction of an intermediate signal at Lincoln avenue. The changes reduced overall construction costs by leveraging the construction forces that would already be mobilized in the area and reduced test and commissioning costs. Overall owner engineering support costs would also be reduced. PRE's design recommendation allowed for an early SCORE program accomplishment by reducing the schedule to complete the improvements.

During construction PRE staff generated the vital application program performing simulation and rack testing for verification. PRE also performed pre-cutover testing for the signal system including Positive Train Control (PTC) testing. PRE coordinated with BNSF for signal handshake testing between CP Miraloma and Atwood Junction. PRE placed the signal system and crossings in service successfully on schedule and without incident.

The project also included adjusted warning for 2 at grade crossings, railroad communications modifications, and station passenger information systems expansion. The railroad communications work included two phases of fiber cable staging, modifications, and cutover to complete the network changes while maintaining service  reliability. The Customer Information Systems included design of passenger information monitors, visual message signs, and public address systems in accordance with Metrolink standards. At the time of the Anaheim Canyon second platform design, the standard visual message signs had transitioned to a sign with a different message protocol, requiring coordination with the sign manufacturer to understand the impacts. PRE devised a method of keeping the signs on the original platform grouped to support the original protocol, and all new signs on the second platform utilized the new protocol.

Project Highlights

• Completed signal, Positive Train Control (PTC), crossing warning, railroad communications and station passenger information systems
• PRE recommended combining the SCORE Olive subdivision signal respace improvements within the Anaheim Canyon Station Improvements project, which accelerated the project deliverable and realized cost efficiencies.
• PRE staff performed vital application programming, simulation and rack testing, pre-cutover testing including PTC.  PRE coordinated with BNSF for handshake testing at Atwood junction.  PRE placed the signal system and crossings in service successfully.
• The railroad communications work included two phases of fiber cable staging and cutover to complete the network changes while maintaining service and reliability.
• The Customer Information Systems included design of passenger information monitors, visual message signs, public address systems in accordance with Metrolink standards.