Modernizing electrical infrastructure while keeping an active rail network operating requires careful coordination across power, controls, communications and construction activities. A Utah Transit Authority program addressing those requirements has received national recognition for its infrastructure improvements.
The Traction Power Substation Rehabilitation Program, designed by STV and delivered with C3M Power Systems, was selected for a 2026 National Electrical Contractors Association Project Excellence Award in the Transportation & Infrastructure category.
The program involved rehabilitation of 20 traction power substations serving UTA’s TRAX light rail system. Construction included electrical switchgear upgrades and improvements to supervisory control and data acquisition networks.
The upgrades were performed while the rail system remained operational, requiring project activities to be coordinated around ongoing transit operations. Maintaining service and safety during construction added scheduling and phasing requirements to the rehabilitation work.
STV provided systems engineering services covering traction power, SCADA integration, communications and construction phasing. The approach coordinated multiple infrastructure systems rather than treating the electrical upgrades as isolated improvements.
The substation program forms part of UTA’s broader TRAX Forward modernization initiative. The work addresses electrical and control infrastructure that supports the light rail network while improving operational monitoring and system reliability.
For transit owners, rehabilitation programs in active systems require coordination between engineering, electrical construction and daily operations. Integrating power, communications and control systems can also help project teams manage upgrades while limiting disruption to existing service.
The recognition highlights the construction and engineering challenges associated with renewing critical electrical infrastructure within an operating transit network. For transit agencies, contractors and infrastructure owners, the project provides an example of coordinated substation rehabilitation involving power equipment, SCADA systems and communications infrastructure.
Source: STV Inc.
