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Philadelphia Zoo to Paoli Transmission Line Project
Project Description
Amtrak proposes improvements along the electrification system within the existing Amtrak right-of-way between the Zoo Substation (mile marker 2.5) and the Paoli Substation (mile marker 20) on the Keystone Corridor. The project area crosses through Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties. Project components include:
- Construction of new 138kV transmission lines within Amtrak right-of-way to replace aging and inaccessible transmission lines that are not on Amtrak right-of-way; note that the power feed to the former transmission lines will be deactivated, but the infrastructure will not be physically altered.
- 1-for-1 replacement of deteriorated catenary structures within Amtrak right-of-way, which will henceforth carry both the catenary lines and the transmission lines; new structures will be taller to accommodate the added traction power transmission lines.
- Construction of an additional gantry at Paoli substation.
- Demolition of the obsolete switching station at Bryn Mawr (also known as Bryn Mawr Substation) and construction of a new traction power substation on a slightly larger footprint.
The Bryn Mawr Substation and the catenary structures along the rail corridor will be removed and replaced. There will be no changes or removal of the existing train stations or other major built elements of the railroad corridor.
Environmental Assessment
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to assess the potential impacts of the project to the human and natural environment. Environmental analyses and evaluations are in progress, including an assessment of the potential affects to Historic Resources in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The following information is provided in response to comments and concerns expressed about the project, and to assist with Section 106 consultation:
- Consulting Party Meeting materials (June 1, 2015)
- Aerial Photographs showing Area of Potential Effect and Pole Locations and Heights
- Aerial Photographs showing Historic Resource Locations
- Engineering Drawings of New Catenary and Transmission Poles
- Photo Rendering Examples of the New Catenary and Transmission Poles
- Rendering showing Example of the New Bryn Mawr Sub-Station
- Determination of Effects Report (August 14, 2015)
- Final Tree Trimming Plans (March 17, 2016)
- Addendum to the Determination of Effects Report (June 2016)
The EA including the environmental analyses for the project is scheduled to be complete during Fall of 2016 and will be posted on this web page for comments prior to FRA issuing a final decision for the project. In the meantime, please continue to check back to this website for project updates and the date and time of the future Public Meeting to be held following the publishing of the EA. Thank you for your input and if you have additional questions related to the project, please contact Brandon Bratcher, FRA Environmental Protection Specialist, at brandon.bratcher@dot.gov, or send your comments to:
Brandon Bratcher
Federal Railroad Administration
RPD-13: Environment and Corridor Planning Division
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
West Building, Mail Stop 20
Washington, DC 20590