PRT's Rail Maintenance Center Restoration Project 'Rises Above It All'

"Temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement."

That's how James LaBella, Senior Project Coordinator at PRT, described the extensive restoration efforts at the South Hills Village Rail Center Pit.

We're proud to say the project was so successful, it's earning major accolades! As part of Engineering News-Record MidAtlantic's Best Projects contest, our $11.1 million, multi-year endeavor was recognized with the "Excellence in Safety" award!

As LaBella told Eno Center for Transportation , one of the major challenges was keeping scope creep in control. The facility was not adequately maintained for 35 years, and called for large-scale repairs.

The work summary included:

·Rehabilitation of the concrete maintenance pit walls and floors

·Removal and replacement of approximately 6100 lineal feet of embedded and elevated steel rail and rail supports

·Rehabilitation of the concrete aprons on the north and south end of the building including installation of apron drains outside of the garage doors??

·Removal and replacement of pit lighting with new LED fixtures

·Removal and replacement of the compressed air and electrical utilities in the maintenance pits

·Removal and replacement and upgrade of the emergency shut-off system in the pits and around the facility

·Remove and replace floor coating throughout

·Additional minor rehabilitation items include removal and replacement of walkways over pits, plus the installations of new pit stairs, work racks, grates, drainage upgrades, etc.

Overcoming issues related to supply chain disruptions and staffing is no easy task in this day and age. But thanks to the flexibility, dedication, and collaboration of many (including Manager of Railcar Maintenance, Chuck Laush, and his team), the project is done and getting the attention of many industry-wide!

Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in the restoration of PRT's Rail Maintenance Center!