Overview
Progressing with an airport improvement project that included extending the main runway, the St. Joseph County Airport Authority determined that the South Shore Railroad’s track clearance envelope and catenary poles extended into the required clear airspace for the proposed runway extension. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), which operated the Chicago, South Shore, and South Bend Railroad, was therefore contacted about realigning this track as it came into the airport.
Process
DLZ was hired to design the realignment of approximately 1,500’ of track. Starting on an existing curve, the track curvature was tightened, and the grade lowered to provide the needed clearance.
The design also included provisions for site drainage including drainage of the track ballast structure using underdrains in an area prone to inundation and settlement. An on-site retention basin was also created.
DLZ also provided construction administration and inspection services for the project.
