WMATA On-Call Services

Providing safe, clean, and reliable service to both residents and visitors, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the second-largest heavy rail transit system, sixth-largest bus network, and fifth-largest paratransit service in the U.S. Its rail system covers more than 118 miles and includes 91 Metro stations, while the Metrobus fleet services 288 routes, 174 lines, and more than 11,000 bus stops with over 2,550 shelters. Together, these systems serve 4 million people within a 1,500 square-mile-area, including one-third of the federal government workforce and millions of tourists per year.

In order to keep the Metrorail and Metrobus systems in prime condition, WMATA relies on a rolling, six-year, capital improvement program (CIP).The program encompasses repairs and safety improvements for all aspects of the rail and bus networks, including right-of-way and system rehabilitation, vehicle procurement, and repair and replacement of aging infrastructure and facilities.

What We Did

The Gannett Fleming and Parsons Transportation Group Joint Venture (GFP) served as the general architectural and engineering consultant for a $5.6 billion, six-year CIP. The services ensured that the rail and bus system facilities remained in prime operating condition and could accommodate future passenger growth.

In total, GFP received more than 300 task orders for the WMATA work, from planning through construction and commissioning. Our services included a broad range of engineering and design disciplines, including architecture; civil/structural design; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing; fire protection; and systems and communications design. Following the success of this long-term contract, GFP is currently assisting WMATA with the implementation of its $23 billion strategic plan to rebuild the transit system’s infrastructure and increase capacity by 2025.

Key Features

Improved heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and maintenance operations at the Carmon E. Turner Maintenance and Training Facility.
Modernized heavy equipment at five WMATA facilities.
Reduced electrical failures and corrosion of the track anchors in the Red Line’s Medical Center Crossover Tunnel through a new waterproofing system.
Transformed a 1940s-era garage into the new Cinder Bed Road Bus Garage—a 76,500-square-foot facility accommodating 160 buses.
Determined the lifecycle cost of stormwater removal and window replacements at the Jackson Graham Building, WMATA’s transit headquarters.
Ensured seven WMATA-owned bridges complied with Federal Highway Administration’s procedures through an underwater inspection and hydraulic scour analysis.
Supported the Silver Line extension to the Washington Dulles International Airport with operator training programs, testing, and commissioning services.

Awards & Recognition

Construction Safety Award, 2015, WMATA, Safety Program.
Chief Engineer Infrastructure Services Award for Safety, 2014, WMATA, Safety Program.

Outcomes

Rail and bus system facilities maintain safety and reliability standards.
Passenger capacity and operational efficiencies meet current and future demands.
Repair and replacement of aging infrastructure.
Prioritization of near- and long-term capital investments.

CLIENT

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

ROLE

Architecture; Civil/Structural; Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing; Fire Protection; Systems and Communications Design; Construction Management; Commissioning