Traction Power Subs

SJH assisted in preparing design build documents for new traction power substations at Golden Bridge, Croton Falls, and Katonah. These power substations convert AC power to DC power which serves as a power feed to Metro-North’s Traction Power systems. The power feed help supply the Harlem and Hudson Lines. Designs and specifications are for all electrical equipment, including control circuitry, transformers, and associated electric switchgear for the substations.

The three new traction substations for the Upper Harlem Line will improve the power infrastructure and will improve electric train service, making it more reliable. Improvements will reduce outages due to maintenance, weather events, and other disruptions. The Metro-North traction power system currently cannot handle the current and future operations of the system. Low voltage occurrences occur during peak periods on the Harlem Line and result in equipment failures. The capital improvements of an additional three new substations are needed to operate both now and for future operations. A study from 2004 recommended phases of improvement through the year 2029, which includes the normal replacement of existing substations, installation of additional traction substations, and installation of a composite aluminum third rail to lower electrical resistance between the substations and trains.

The Harlem Line has seen ridership growth over the last two decades and increase in ridership are straining the existing DC traction power system. Low voltage occurrences have pulled voltages down the line as low as 420 volts. The study recommended construction of 10 new traction power substations north of the Harlem Line. The design of the three additional Harlem Line substations construction is planned for the 2020-2024 Capital Program.