Rail News: Communication and Signal
Expo Line upgrades under way in Vancouver to improve communications

Work is under way to replace 25-year-old cables with fiber optic cables to support a more efficient communications network across TransLink’s SkyTrain system in Vancouver, British Columbia, Transport Canada officials said in a prepared statement.

The project’s first phase includes replacing existing cables, which have been in place since the Expo Line began operating, from the Waterfront Station to New Westminster Station.

The $4.7 million phase also includes an engineering study, design and quality control work, Transport Canada officials said. The Canadian government and province of British Columbia each are contributing up to $1.9 million for the project. TransLink will fund the remainder.

The majority of upgrades will be completed at night to avoid service interruptions. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2012.