The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) constructed a regional passenger rail line to serve Denton County residents and visitors. Approximately 21 miles long, from Denton to Carrollton, the rail line includes nighttime freight service, five stations, 44 grade crossings, and a bike path. Service began on schedule in July 2011. This was one of the fastest commuter rail start-ups in the nation.  The rail line was completed simultaneously with Dallas Area Rapid Transit's Green Line to Carrollton. Passengers on the A-Train can transfer to light rail at Trinity Mills Road in Carrollton, and travel to downtown Dallas and other transit points in the North Texas region. 

DCTA A-Train Program Management, Texas

Vehicles With Crash Energy Management Systems

The project was completed under a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) contract, an alternative delivery method which fosters more collaboration between the construction management team and the contractor. The project entailed procurement of new rail vehicles, which feature a Crash Energy Mangement system. This was the first project in America to receive a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) waiver to allow crash energy management into the design of  a commuter rail vehicle. 

One of the Nation's Fastest Commuter Rail Start-Ups

As part of OnTrack 2010, a tri-venture, Urban provided full program management support to DCTA .  Previously a bus authority, DCTA established itself as a rail authority for this project.  We supported development of plans, policies, and procedures; assisted with procurement and contract administration; and provided onsite construction management/ inspection and other project management oversight services. 

Highlights

• Received ACEC Project Achievement Award
• Program Management Oversight
• Construction management and inspection 
• Design management
• Rail maintenance facility design
• Rail vehicle procurement negotiation support
• Development of Authority’s policies and procedures
• First-of-its-kind FRA waiver for the rail vehicles