VHB played a critical role in equipping the Boston commuter rail network—both northside and southside—with the federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) system. As the lead local signal designer, VHB conducted extensive surveys of signal equipment across 14 commuter rail lines, covering more than 400 route miles stretching from Massachusetts into Rhode Island and including portions of the high-speed Northeast Corridor. Based on these surveys, VHB developed detailed, site-specific installation drawings that enabled the design-build contractor to accurately place and install essential wayside equipment, including over 100 antenna locations.
Beyond signal design, VHB provided multidisciplinary support throughout the project. This included crafting a permitting strategy to secure historic and environmental approvals, developing vital programming to interface the existing signal system with new PTC wayside interface units, and creating comprehensive field and commissioning test procedures. VHB also trained the contractor in performing and documenting tests in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements for train control and PTC.
The project required close coordination among multiple stakeholders, including the MBTA (owner of the commuter rail service and most rail lines), Keolis Commuter Services (MBTA’s service operator), and other rail operators such as Amtrak, Mass Coastal, CSXT, and Pan Am Railways.
