Electrification Study VIA – High Frequency Rail Project

The main objective of this study was to develop a cost estimate for the electrification of the proposed Ottawa-Toronto corridor for VIA Rail’s High Frequency Rail Project.

SYSTRA Canada’s mandate included the establishment of design criteria and the development of a construction plan for the implementation of a catenary electrification system. Furthermore, the study included the preparation of a Class 3 capital cost estimate at a -20/+30% accuracy and a preliminary operating cost estimate.

The specific services provided by SYSTRA Canada were as follows:

• Definition of design criteria;
• Technical option analysis to determine the appropriate electrification strategy;
• Preliminary design of the electrification system;
• Identification of preliminary quantities and land acquisition requirements;
• Preparation of a condensed profile of electrification systems and typical layout plans;
• Preparation of a construction plan and schedule;
• Preparation of a Class 3 capital cost estimate (-20/+30%) for four scenarios:
  • Electrifying the railway during the initial construction period;
  • Electrifying the railway after operations have begun;
  • Construction of the overhead catenary system with minimum top-of-rail to contact wire clearances;
  • Construction of the overhead catenary system with sufficient top-of-rail to contact wire clearances to accommodate maximum freight train height along the full Ottawa-Toronto corridor;
• Calculation of electrical power consumption using simulations performed with its Train Performance Calculator;
• Estimating the operating costs related to the electrification system.