Southern California’s Metrolink will be out of service for four days (December 26-29) as it undergoes a major cleaning and repair project.
As previously announced in November, Metrolink will clean, repair, and upgrade its rail network, including a new signal system. This system is expected to provide better operational throughput and reliability on trains in and out of Union Station. The work will occur from Tuesday (December 26) through Friday (December 29), the day after Christmas.
The upgrade will shut down 550 miles of track in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside-Ventura County.
One of the areas being upgraded is the signal system. Metrolink currently uses a 1930s Great Depression-era system of relays that limits the number of trains that can run on different tracks.
The authority expects the new microprocessor-driven signal system to increase arrival and departure capacity, resulting in a decrease in overall train delays and an increase in safety.
It is also part of the SCORE L.A. Union Station Modernization Project, a 3-year initiative to update all track and signal systems where trains enter and exit at LAUS.
Metrolink’s Chief of Program Delivery, Justin Fornelli, said, “We’ll be upgrading the signal system where trains enter and exit the station, but we’re not stopping there. This unique break in service will allow us to tackle state-of-good-repair projects across multiple lines, as we work to deliver the safest, most reliable passenger rail experience possible.”
In addition, Metrolink will perform additional maintenance at Union Station to enhance the customer experience. Planned projects include repairing concrete on platforms, freshening paint, cleaning canopies and gutters, adding more lighting tied to emergency power in the tunnel, and servicing high-voltage components to reduce the likelihood of power outages.
Notably, Metrolink also stated that high-voltage components will be installed to prepare for power outages.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Metro Rail and buses will operate normally during this period.
BY SUAH JANG, JUNHAN PARK [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
