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Rail and Transit

Bus Transportation

A pioneer in sustainable mobility, SYSTRA facilitates the development of customized solutions to meet the mobility challenges our clients face everyday. helps our clients develop their electromobility roadmap. Using our unique, interactive, digital tool TESS (Transit & Electromobility Smart Simulator), SYSTRA helps owners and operators develop their electromobility roadmap.

Learn more

Bridges

Bridges are a major product line and a cornerstone of our technical excellence in providing safe, efficient, and economical solutions.

Learn more

Commuter & Intercity Rail

SYSTRA makes sure commuter and intercity passenger rail continues to deliver economic growth, support job creation, offer environmental benefits, and enhance our nation’s efficacy.

From signals, communications, and traction power systems upgrades to infrastructure such as track and catenary design, SYSTRA has been integral to improving our nation’s commuter rail network and ensuring their safety performance.

Learn more

High-speed Rail

SYSTRA has designed half of the world’s high-speed rail systems, covering more than 6,000 miles of railway in service today, including the Paris-Bordeaux Line (South Europe Atlantic), Europe’s largest railway construction project.

Learn more

Light Rail

Light rail has made a resurgence in recent years because of its ability to connect communities sustainably and reliably. SYSTRA understands, first-hand, the importance of efficient, reliable, and regular service, safe integration with other road users, optimal operating speeds, and respect of the environment.

Learn more

Mass Rapid Transit

Subways and metro transit systems are the backbone of thriving, modern cities. As mass rapid transit systems age and new systems are built, SYSTRA employs our expertise and innovation to renew and replace aging infrastructure with modern technology that improves safety and service.

Learn more

Tunnels

SYSTRA’s tunneling group, SWS, specializes in the design of tunnels and underground structures. Dense surface environments, topographical challenges, and limited space are making underground solutions increasingly attractive, especially in urban areas.

SYSTRA SWS has extensive experience designing and constructing urban tunnels in difficult geological contexts and sensitive congested areas. We offer expertise with all types of underground structures, from machine bored tunnels to NATM (drill and blast) tunnels and cut and cover types in any kind of soil/rock.

Learn more

Public Facilities

Education

SYSTRA incorporates a context sensitive approach into our school building designs that emphasizes high performance, accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly school facilities. We strive to conserve resources and energy during construction, as well as in the long-term operation of these facilities.

Learn more

Public Housing

SYSTRA works with our clients to preserve and modernize public housing by delivering innovative, yet sensible, and sustainable designs that integrate, engage, and protect our communities.

Our design solutions also promote a sound quality of life for residents and embody nurturing, safe, environmentally conscious, and healthy communities while supporting sustainability, energy conservation, and resiliency.

Learn more

Rail and Transit

SYSTRA’s architectural studio, SYSTRA A&E, partners with rail and transit agencies throughout the US to better connect people and places and provide accessibility to all passengers. From new, modernized, and rehabilitated stations to new and upgraded maintenance facilities, SYSTRA A&E helps create more sustainable, inclusive environments through good design.

Learn more

Services

Architecture

Architectural Design

SYSTRA’s architectural studio, SYSTRA A+E, is an integrated, multidisciplinary practice dedicated to the planning, design, and construction support of facilities for public transportation (maintenance and support), education, and housing.

Our work revolves around good design that connects, sustains, and educates our communities. Passionate and collaborative, SYSTRA A&E believes in sustainability and innovation and offers practical, yet original solutions that enhance the wellbeing of users, protect the environment, and energize local communities.

Learn more

Engineering

Bridge Design

SYSTRA’s bridge group, International Bridge Technologies (IBT), is an engineering firm solely dedicated to bridge engineering. A cornerstone of SYSTRA Bridges, SYSTRA IBT is a network of 350 bridge engineering specialists deployed worldwide who have extensive experience in all facets of bridge design, construction, and maintenance.

Learn more

Electrical & Traction Power Systems

From New York and Philadelphia to Chicago and Los Angeles, SYSTRA’s electrical and traction power group designs and supports the construction of switchgear and substations, frequency converters, rectifiers, and distribution equipment.

Learn more

Infrastructure

SYSTRA solves our clients’ challenges with the same commitment and quality work regardless of project size. SYSTRA’s ingenuity is derived from our involvement in the infrastructure life cycle, from preliminary studies to commissioning.

This practical experience has availed us of expertise in designing, building, and rehabilitating rail and transit infrastructure that is resilient, economical, and sustainable.

Learn more

Signals & Communications

SYSTRA is an established leader in the application of industry standard processes and hardware and software for command and control systems.

From small-scale computer-based CTC machines and SCADA development projects, to the largest ATS systems in the industry, SYSTRA is a pioneer in comprehensive requirements development and management, and system development.

Learn more

Train Control and Systems Safety

SYSTRA’s Systems and Safety Assurance team combines knowledge and experience with the latest industry systems assurance specifications and technologies.

Active in the development of industry standards, SYSTRA is expert in implementing CENELEC EN 5012x and FRA 49CFR236 Subpart H and Subpart I guidelines, as well as providing guidance on FTA’s Safety and Security Management.

Employing their experience with assessments of levels of safety, availability, and reliability in safety critical systems, our professionals work with various software, products, and contractors, managing projects from inception to certification, installation, and long-term safe operations.

Learn more

Tunnels and Underground Structures

A leader in tunnel engineering, SYSTRA’s tunneling group, SYSTRA SWS, specializes in specializing in the design of tunnels and underground structures.

Part of our Bridges and Tunnels Center of Excellence, SYSTRA SWS designed the longest rail tunnel in the world and has 18 offices worldwide, three trademarks, five patents and copyrights, and has engineered over 800 miles of railway and over 400 miles of tunnels.

Learn more

Construction and Program Management

For new infrastructure or the upgrade of aging facilities and systems, as construction managers SYSTRA effectively manages your project’s schedule, cost, quality, safety, scope, and function.

For all project delivery methods, SYSTRA’s responsibility is to the owner. From preconstruction and construction to closeout, SYSTRA works for the best interests of our clients, minimizing risks, containing costs, and maintaining the schedule.

Learn more

Alternative Project Delivery

SYSTRA offers the winning combination of technical interdisciplinary expertise and resources that can be rapidly mobilized to meet your needs. Our architects and engineers are engaged in project delivery from pretender work, initial requirements analyses, and feasibility studies to quality management and oversight during construction.

Learn more

Digital Solutions

Our digital solutions inform your decisions, strengthen collaboration, and improve the performance of your projects. Our main mission is to better design and facilitate the operation of safe and sustainable mobility solutions for people and regions. Using these digital solutions, SYSTRA helps our clients make decisions based on objective data.

Learn more

RAILSIM Software Suite

For more than 25 years, RAILSIM® has supported rail and rapid transit operating and engineering teams with the information and data required to effectively manage their rail systems. Operations analysis and simulation help agencies address their system’s distinctive needs and challenges. It is a complement to all sectors of work—planning, design and engineering, systems, track, electrical, and construction.

Learn more
A pioneer in sustainable mobility, SYSTRA facilitates the development of customized solutions to meet the mobility challenges our clients face everyday. helps our clients develop their electromobility roadmap. Using our unique, interactive, digital tool TESS (Transit & Electromobility Smart Simulator), SYSTRA helps owners and operators develop their electromobility roadmap.

Read more

Bridges are a major product line and a cornerstone of our technical excellence in providing safe, efficient, and economical solutions.

Read more

SYSTRA makes sure commuter and intercity passenger rail continues to deliver economic growth, support job creation, offer environmental benefits, and enhance our nation’s efficacy.

From signals, communications, and traction power systems upgrades to infrastructure such as track and catenary design, SYSTRA has been integral to improving our nation’s commuter rail network and ensuring their safety performance.

Read more

SYSTRA has designed half of the world’s high-speed rail systems, covering more than 6,000 miles of railway in service today, including the Paris-Bordeaux Line (South Europe Atlantic), Europe’s largest railway construction project.

Read more

Light rail has made a resurgence in recent years because of its ability to connect communities sustainably and reliably. SYSTRA understands, first-hand, the importance of efficient, reliable, and regular service, safe integration with other road users, optimal operating speeds, and respect of the environment.

Read more

Subways and metro transit systems are the backbone of thriving, modern cities. As mass rapid transit systems age and new systems are built, SYSTRA employs our expertise and innovation to renew and replace aging infrastructure with modern technology that improves safety and service.

Read more

SYSTRA’s tunneling group, SWS, specializes in the design of tunnels and underground structures. Dense surface environments, topographical challenges, and limited space are making underground solutions increasingly attractive, especially in urban areas.

SYSTRA SWS has extensive experience designing and constructing urban tunnels in difficult geological contexts and sensitive congested areas. We offer expertise with all types of underground structures, from machine bored tunnels to NATM (drill and blast) tunnels and cut and cover types in any kind of soil/rock.

Read more
SYSTRA incorporates a context sensitive approach into our school building designs that emphasizes high performance, accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly school facilities. We strive to conserve resources and energy during construction, as well as in the long-term operation of these facilities.

Read more

SYSTRA works with our clients to preserve and modernize public housing by delivering innovative, yet sensible, and sustainable designs that integrate, engage, and protect our communities.

Our design solutions also promote a sound quality of life for residents and embody nurturing, safe, environmentally conscious, and healthy communities while supporting sustainability, energy conservation, and resiliency.

Read more

SYSTRA’s architectural studio, SYSTRA A&E, partners with rail and transit agencies throughout the US to better connect people and places and provide accessibility to all passengers. From new, modernized, and rehabilitated stations to new and upgraded maintenance facilities, SYSTRA A&E helps create more sustainable, inclusive environments through good design.

Read more
- Architectural Design
SYSTRA’s architectural studio, SYSTRA A+E, is an integrated, multidisciplinary practice dedicated to the planning, design, and construction support of facilities for public transportation (maintenance and support), education, and housing.

Our work revolves around good design that connects, sustains, and educates our communities. Passionate and collaborative, SYSTRA A&E believes in sustainability and innovation and offers practical, yet original solutions that enhance the wellbeing of users, protect the environment, and energize local communities.

Read more
SYSTRA’s bridge group, International Bridge Technologies (IBT), is an engineering firm solely dedicated to bridge engineering. A cornerstone of SYSTRA Bridges, SYSTRA IBT is a network of 350 bridge engineering specialists deployed worldwide who have extensive experience in all facets of bridge design, construction, and maintenance.

Read more

From New York and Philadelphia to Chicago and Los Angeles, SYSTRA’s electrical and traction power group designs and supports the construction of switchgear and substations, frequency converters, rectifiers, and distribution equipment.

Read more

SYSTRA solves our clients’ challenges with the same commitment and quality work regardless of project size. SYSTRA’s ingenuity is derived from our involvement in the infrastructure life cycle, from preliminary studies to commissioning.

This practical experience has availed us of expertise in designing, building, and rehabilitating rail and transit infrastructure that is resilient, economical, and sustainable.

Read more

SYSTRA is an established leader in the application of industry standard processes and hardware and software for command and control systems.

From small-scale computer-based CTC machines and SCADA development projects, to the largest ATS systems in the industry, SYSTRA is a pioneer in comprehensive requirements development and management, and system development.

Read more

SYSTRA’s Systems and Safety Assurance team combines knowledge and experience with the latest industry systems assurance specifications and technologies.

Active in the development of industry standards, SYSTRA is expert in implementing CENELEC EN 5012x and FRA 49CFR236 Subpart H and Subpart I guidelines, as well as providing guidance on FTA’s Safety and Security Management.

Employing their experience with assessments of levels of safety, availability, and reliability in safety critical systems, our professionals work with various software, products, and contractors, managing projects from inception to certification, installation, and long-term safe operations.

Read more

A leader in tunnel engineering, SYSTRA’s tunneling group, SYSTRA SWS, specializes in specializing in the design of tunnels and underground structures.

Part of our Bridges and Tunnels Center of Excellence, SYSTRA SWS designed the longest rail tunnel in the world and has 18 offices worldwide, three trademarks, five patents and copyrights, and has engineered over 800 miles of railway and over 400 miles of tunnels.

Read more

For new infrastructure or the upgrade of aging facilities and systems, as construction managers SYSTRA effectively manages your project’s schedule, cost, quality, safety, scope, and function.

For all project delivery methods, SYSTRA’s responsibility is to the owner. From preconstruction and construction to closeout, SYSTRA works for the best interests of our clients, minimizing risks, containing costs, and maintaining the schedule.

Read more

SYSTRA offers the winning combination of technical interdisciplinary expertise and resources that can be rapidly mobilized to meet your needs. Our architects and engineers are engaged in project delivery from pretender work, initial requirements analyses, and feasibility studies to quality management and oversight during construction.

Read more

Our digital solutions inform your decisions, strengthen collaboration, and improve the performance of your projects. Our main mission is to better design and facilitate the operation of safe and sustainable mobility solutions for people and regions. Using these digital solutions, SYSTRA helps our clients make decisions based on objective data.

Read more

For more than 25 years, RAILSIM® has supported rail and rapid transit operating and engineering teams with the information and data required to effectively manage their rail systems. Operations analysis and simulation help agencies address their system’s distinctive needs and challenges. It is a complement to all sectors of work—planning, design and engineering, systems, track, electrical, and construction.

Read more
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Home Project California High-Speed Rail Authority Track and Overhead Catenary System Design

California High-Speed Rail Authority Track and Overhead Catenary System Design

Technical details

Client

California High-Speed Rail Authority

Location

Sacramento, CA

Activity

Project management, overhead contact system design, track design

SYSTRA is the lead joint venture partner of the team delivering a comprehensive, efficient, and state-of-the-art track and overhead contact system (OCS) design for the initial 171-mile passenger service connecting Merced to Bakersfield.

This historic achievement marks the first high-speed rail track and OCS initiative in the United States, underscoring SYSTRA’s leadership and expertise in public rail and transit systems.

Our team is fully integrated with the Authority in Sacramento to deliver this transformative rail infrastructure project.

The OCS design and associated work is being developed in two primary phases: design principles and detailed design.

Some examples of projects in High-Speed Rail

See a selection of SYSTRA's projects