Ties, Ballast & Switch Heaters BNS

Evaluation Metric Measure
Access to Key Destinations i
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Maintains Access to Key Destinations

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Accessibility Improvement(s) i
Not applicable symbol

Project is not related to accessibility

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Asset Condition (FTA TERM Rating) i
Red gear

Asset(s) rated below 2

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Benefit to Riders i
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Helps to maintain current benefits to riders

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Capacity Benefit and Need i
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Project maintains/returns system to original capacity

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Climate Agency Operating Impacts i
Not applicable symbol

Project does not effect GHG emissions

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Economic Impact i
One green up arrow

Small impact on economic development

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Equity Based on Residential Geography i
Not applicable symbol

Project is not location specific or benefits entire service area

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Impact on Customer and Employee Safety i
One green up arrow

Project indirectly provides safety benefit/improvement

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Impact on Operating Cost i
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No change in operating cost

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Impact on System Security i
Not applicable symbol

Project does not impact security

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Impact to Service Speed/Reliability i
One green up arrow

Moderately improves current speed/reliability

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Regulatory Requirements i
Green check mark

Project Meets Regulatory Requirements

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Ridership/Mode Shift Impacts i
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Maintains assets necessary for transit ridership

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Vehicle Useful Life i
Not applicable symbol

Asset is not a vehicle with a useful life

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Project Description

This project funds the replacement of ties, the cleaning or replacement of ballast, and the replacement of switch components and heaters. Periodically replacing ties and ballast is necessary to maintain proper track gauge and surface conditions. This project improves the riding quality of the trains and reduces the incidence of slow orders, which can impact the ability to maintain on-time performance. Metra provides funds to the BNSF Railroad to improve the track along the BNSF Line and rail yard facilities.