SkyTrain Traction Power Replacement

in progress

TransLink’s Expo and Millennium SkyTrain Lines are approximately 60 kilometres in length with more than 35 stations spread across multiple municipalities in Metro Vancouver. The Expo and Millennium lines are powered by a traction power network that includes substations, electrical cabling, and power rails. TransLink has reviewed the current state of the existing traction power network. While the majority of the network is in good condition, TransLink has identified components that would need to be replaced in order to ensure a state of good repair and address electrical safety issues for 11 substations along the Expo line. This ICIP application includes scope for four of the 11 substations (phase 2 of the planned project), including the replacement of: •Expo Line guideway power cables in poor condition, as assessed by an Expo Guideway Line condition assessment; and • AC and DC switchgear. • Installation of Pad Mounted Transformer at the sites where space within the PPS is an issue (Columbia, New Westminster, Main, Waterfront, Broadway, Nanaimo, and Joyce). As a result, TransLink has initiated a Traction Power System Replacement project to proactively replace the identified traction power equipment over a course of multiple years in order to maintain a state of good repair, and enable the continued, uninterrupted operation of the Expo and Millennium Lines. The complete scope of the proposed traction power updates is essential to maintain and safely operate SkyTrain. Without it, TransLink could not safely operate the Expo and Millennium Lines at current levels, or support future service increases or expanded fleet as proposed by the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Vision. The scope of the replacement would occur between April 2023 and December 2026. Since this project is focused solely on the replacement of existing traction power equipment, it is considered a rehabilitation project.