PROJECT DESCRIPTION

As part of Metra’s initiative to upgrade their Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) systems, Delta conducted site surveys and designed conduit infrastructure for Rock Island District and SouthWest Service lines

At each site, Delta’s team performed visual observation to determine the location of each FOC termination point within the nearby Metra facility. Next, the conduit infrastructure from the outside FOC handhole to the termination location was designed. Termination locations and quantities for each service line specified below:

Rock Island District Service Line and Beverly Extension

• Metra stations: 26
• Metra facilities: 4
• Trailers / temporary facilities: 6

SouthWest Service Line

• Metra stations: 13
• Metra facilities: 4
• Trailers / temporary facilities: 6

Delta’s single-mode, FOC backbone system design covered approximately 102 miles of combined right-of-way. Design for Rock Island District covered 52 (approx.) miles encompassing each station from LaSalle Street through Joliet. Design for the SouthWest Service covered 50 (approx.) miles from Manhattan Station through 23^rd Street.

Each system design required FOC routing along the entire right-of-way — including under grade crossings and over bridges. Delta provided site-specific construction drawings, specifications, cost-estimates and quantities, bid assistance, and construction phase services.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

Installation of 288-strand fiber optic cables in a duct while maintaining space for future expansion required a creative design solution. The cables will be installed within a 7-way HDPE micro duct system. Micro ducts allow fiber to be quickly installed, using jetting technology. Jetting cable installation uses high speed compressed air injected in the duct inlet allowing the micro cable to be blown (with minimal friction) thousands of feet in a continuous length. This will provide METRA the flexibility of an expandable fiber optic network with dedicated pathways for future capacity and redundancy.