SEPTA has developed a strong long-term capital program to rehabilitate and modernize its Regional Rail infrastructure. Since the summer of 2007, our in-house work crews have been out on the Lansdale/Doylestown (R5) Line upgrading the track and signals between Glenside and Lansdale.  Using SEPTA’s own capital dollars, along with some additional contributions from Montgomery County and PennDOT, SEPTA has completed these enhancements along the line:

• Reconfigured the track layouts near Penllyn Station and Lansdale Station to reduce cascading delays should an incident disrupt service
• Upgraded the signaling system to allow for bi-directional train movements with cab signal indications
• Improved the grade crossings at busy intersections to improve vehicular safety

Once this modernization program is complete, train speed will increase, travel time will be reduced and delays will be minimized.

The new crossover installed outside Lansdale Station also permits two trains to simultaneously move within the station area.

The reconfiguration of track near Penllyn Station and Lansdale Station involved the installation of new crossover switches.  Our Engineering Department designed the layout of switching track, also called an interlocking, to permit trains to move across to the opposite track in either direction of travel.  The benefit of this interlocking design is best seen when a section of track is blocked for any reason.  Much like how an automobile can steer around a blocked roadway, our Control Center “steers” the train around a blockage using the interlocking.  The interlocking at Lansdale Station was also reconfigured to allow two SEPTA trains to cross tracks simultaneously, eliminating wait times for customers.  These track redesigns have created greater flexibility and assist in keeping the trains running on schedule.

A view inside the signal hut that controls the interlocking outside Lansdale Station - known as Dale Interlocking.

Complementing the two redesigned interlockings is the installation of a new signaling system, known as Automatic Train Control (ATC).  This permits trains to run in either direction on either track.  ATC also provides added safety benefits like safe distance train separation, train overspeed control, and stop-signal enforcement.

Located in the upper right in this picture, cab signals help control trains and allow for bi-directional travel on either track.

New grade crossings were installed at Butler Pike, Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Gwynedd Pike, Church Road, Hancock Street and Broad & Main Streets at Lansdale Station.  Crews resurfaced the road and installed upgraded electronics for trains running at higher speeds.  North Wales and Ambler will also receive high-level platforms, in addition to the already completed Fort Washington, to decrease the amount of train dwell time at the station.

SEPTA crews resurfaced and upgraded the systems of many grade crossings.

Additional rail and tie renewal has been progressing between Gwynedd Valley and Lansdale Station.  This work is scheduled for completion in December 2007.  In January 2008, the electrical catenary will get upgraded to a heavier duty copper, replacing the current lighter standard wire that dates back to 1931.  Once all this additional work is completed, trains that currently run at 55 mph will be permitted to run at speeds of 70 mph.

Crews working to renew the rails and ties between Gwynedd Valley and Lansdale Station.