Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Rail Division is requesting proposals for welding services for the Blue Line light rail track. CATS light rail consists of over 40 miles of track that includes double main track, storage tracks and yard tracks. RFP questions must be directed to David Farmer, Department of General Services - City Procurement. Pre-bid meeting information :
Or call in (audio only)
+1 872-256-4172,,942883444# United States, Chicago
Phone Conference ID: 942 883 444#
Find a local number | Reset PIN Submission of Written Questions After the Pre-Proposal Conference.
Questions are due by 2:00PM EST May 24, 2022. The Charlotte Light Rail consists of over 40 miles track that includes double main track,
storage tracks and yard tracks. Having a strategy for Turnout maintenance is key to the
success of CATS and its passengers. CATS is developing a plan that will help ensure that
switch and frog maintenance will not be an issue for are lines. Turnouts are an important
element of CATS rail network as they provide guidance to the rail traffic. The continuous
operational availability of turnouts plays a vital role for CATS service to the community.
Switches and Frogs are under the most strain due to the constant traffic. Without properly
maintained turnouts there is always a potential to affect the availability of service throughout
the Blue Line Network. The extra stresses incurred by frogs and crossing diamonds require a
material with high strength and durability, and one that will resist failure under impact and
heavy loading. Metal-to metal wear resistance must be excellent, which is essential in rail
applications. The Blue Line turnouts is among the weakest parts of the alignment. Therefore,
in order to improve the traffic capacity and avoid accidents, regular maintaining of turnouts is
quite necessary. High quality of railway turnouts ensures the running safety of LRVs.
Welding work will help rebuild the frog points, help reduce the excessive wear on guardrails
and diamonds. This solution will help keep the turnouts in service and help prevent disruption
to LRV traffic due to single tracking or damage. CATS is looking for turnout service program
that includes regular servicing work such as maintenance, inspection and repair. Working in
accordance with MOW rail maintenance and track safety standards such a repair made by the
contractor will play an important role in prolonging the service life of these areas.
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