This year, Amtrak will break ground on Sunnyside Yard, a railroad yard modernization project being delivered through an accelerated design-build model in Queens, New York City. With around 200 acres of land, the railroad yard will service fleet vehicles and Amtrak’s new Airo trains. EXP is responsible for industrial engineering services and coordination of equipment materials.
The primary purpose of these upgrades is to bring the new Airo trains into service. These trainsets will improve the customer experience and are more efficient than the previous model.
“Rail maintenance facilities are complex assets — they must be safe, efficient, adaptable and operational from day one, often in tight urban areas,” Director of Architecture Salvatore Birritteri said. “I’ve seen firsthand how early interdisciplinary coordination and alternative delivery make the difference. Projects like Sunnyside Yard reflect EXP’s ability to bring innovative and practical operations-driven experience to maintenance facilities that have to perform reliably.”
Sustainable elements will help power operations at Sunnyside Yard
Sustainability features are incorporated in the yard and train design as well. Airo trains are hybrid and use clean diesel, which results in fewer particulate emissions. A pantograph electrification system is also used to collect electrical power from overhead contact wires. This system is especially helpful in busy urban environments because a continuous power source allows for consistent traction power, which means more efficient travel.
EXP is designing two main equipment types for the project. First is the refillable products to refuel locomotives before another route — we will design both the storage tanks and fuel piping to facilitate fuel transfer. Secondly, we are coordinating maintenance equipment such as bridge cranes and droppage tables to assist in yard construction and operations. Safety is a central priority for our experts, who are also designing a new interlocking system to reduce the likelihood of electrocution and protect workers in the yard.
“We are tried and true in our approach to discipline, equipment coordination and alternative delivery models for rail projects,” Vice President – Buildings Svetan Veliov, PE, P.Eng. said. “Our work at Sunnyside Yard demonstrates how EXP teams support stations, maintenance facilities and active rail operations while ensuring critical networks continue to move safely and efficiently. Airo trains require state-of-the-art materials and maintenance to deliver an upgraded passenger experience that connects communities.”
Upon completion, this will be one of the largest and busiest rail maintenance yards in the US, demonstrating significant Amtrak investment in the comfort and efficiency of travel. With the addition of the Airo trains, Sunnyside Yard will coordinate a safer, more reliable mode of transportation, with a fully equipped service yard at the ready.
Image credit: Amtrak