MARTA Signs Contract to Renovate Tunnel Ventilation System

MARTA recently signed a $198.5 million contract to overhaul and upgrade its tunnel ventilation system (TVS). This major improvement project, which is slated to begin in early 2016, further advances the agency’s ongoing commitment to safe and efficient transit operations.

Archer Western Construction LLC will be the primary contractor. Cleveland Electric, R. F. Knox, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and up to eight disadvantaged business enterprises (seven of which are local) will participate as subcontractors.

The six-year base contract totals $165 million with an additional $33.5 million in contract options that include an extended warranty, hardware refresh, and provisions for long-term system operations and maintenance.

MARTA’s TVS covers about nine miles of subway tunnel and underground rail stations, roughly one-fifth of the rail system’s total footprint. Tunnel ventilation is a critical infrastructure component in all subway transit environments, and MARTA has identified the renovation and renewal of its aging system as a top priority to maintain optimal functionality and state of good repair. MARTA’s TVS includes a network of fans and dampers that effectively control and direct air flow during normal rail operations and in emergency situations.

“MARTA is ahead of the curve for dedicating a significant portion of its capital improvement budget to upgrading our tunnel ventilation system,” said David Springstead, interim assistant general manager of capital programs and development. “In the transit industry, this is the largest single contract focused on this type of enhancement.”

Archer Western Construction is a member of the Walsh Group Ltd., a 117-year old, family owned company providing design, build, finance, and operation services.  The Walsh Group operates across 19 regional offices, and is listed as the third largest transportation contractor, and the 13th largest U.S. national contractor per Engineering News-Record, 2015.

“Archer Western has been working with MARTA for nearly 30 years constructing major infrastructure projects to improve the MARTA system,” said Steve Hausler, vice president at The Walsh Group. “We look forward to our continued partnership with MARTA in completing this critical upgrade to its tunnel ventilation system.”