Orange Line Phase I – MIC to Earlington Heights Connector

The Orange Line Phase I – M.I.C. to Earlington Heights Connector project for Miami-Dade County (MDC) was bid on August 1, 2008. Odebrecht-Tower-Community Joint Venture (ODTC) awarded a contract to a Mass. Electric Construction Co. (MEC) led joint venture on April 30, 2009, and issued the Notice to Proceed (NTP) on April 30, 2009, with a contract completion date of April 29, 2012.

This design-build project for the signal, communications, and traction power systems for the 2.5 mile extension of the existing Orange Line commuter rail system to a new Miami Intermodal Center at the airport rental car facility included energization and signalization of 2.5 miles of double track grade separated mainline. Two (2) built in place train control rooms support 2 interlockings. Three (3) built in place 2.5MW traction power substations provide 750VDC for 3rd rail power. The showcase passenger station includes installation of public address, variable message boards, emergency telephones, and CCTV surveillance, and security systems. An integrated Central Control Facility supports rail operation and station monitoring for the new connector.

Unique elements of this project include:

• Tie-in 260 circuit at the existing signal Earlington Heights Train Control Room
• Tie-in of connector tracks to existing line in phases
• Work at heights ranging from 60 to 90 feet with limited access
• Connection of existing fiber plant from EHT to Central Control Room in Downtown Miami
• Award Winning Station Design
• Work adjacent to CSX ROW
• Prototype TWC System
• Crosses Environmentally Sensitive Miami River Canal
• Project engineered specialized cable laying equipment for cabling placed in cable tray along the 2.5 mile extension.
• Extensive coordination with adjacent contractors for station and Guideway work.

Major Quantities:

• 164,068 LF of signal cable
• 44,420 LF of fiber optic cable
• 89,787 LF of feeder cable