Caltrain Communications-Based Overlay Signal System and Positive Train Control

By installing an advanced communications-based signal system, Caltrain met the federal mandate to implement positive train control to help eliminate train-to-train collisions and over-speed mishaps and increase system capacity. Acumen staff supported the design, installation, build-out, testing, infrastructure and scheduling of Caltrain’s Communications-Based Overlay Signal System and Positive Train Control including building its Back-Up Central Control Facility in Menlo Park, CA to control the wayside installation of the signaling overlay equipment and radio system equipment and telecommunication network.

Acumen staff directed the overall planning of construction activities carried out under design-build work by the prime contractor team; attended progress review meetings with subcontractors, Caltrain and Parsons Transportation Group representatives; and ensured that construction crews worked in compliance with all safety requirements and carried out the site work in accordance with the approved design. In addition, Acumen worked with the project cost estimate team to determine any cost and schedule impacts and staff requirements for any requested changes during the project execution; provided daily field-work progress reports; and reviewed the contractor’s baseline schedule, made monthly updates and provided custom schedule reports to the Caltrain team.