Guarantee Electrical was selected for a three-site project as St. Louis’ Metro public transit agency geared up to build its light rail Cross County MetroLink Extension project. Each project featured unique challenges and opportunities.
Guarantee managed multiple responsibilities for the installation of raceway systems carrying signal components, communication systems, power and lighting along several segments of the alignment. Guarantee’s work also included civil, street lighting, traffic signalization and system testing. The client’s total extension project encompassed eight miles of track and nine stations, beginning at MetroLink’s existing Forest Park station, traveling west to the St. Louis County seat of Clayton and continuing south to Shrewsbury. When the extension opened for service on August 28, 2006, the light rail system stretched 46 miles with 37 stations, serving residents and businesses in 200 municipalities.
Acting as prime contractor, Guarantee self-performed a significant scope of work and coordinated the efforts of multiple subcontractors. Guarantee effectively distributed materials, tools and labor to the multiple sites. Guarantee’s project leaders managed from a single location to closely coordinate specific scopes of work for IBEW Local 1 construction and systems electricians and Local 2 construction linemen electricians, working under different contracts.
Metro’s original project plans did not include electrical-specific drawings. Guarantee extracted, designed and coordinated placement of electrical systems at multiple elevations and station locations. Because construction of each Metro facility was awarded to separate general contractors, Guarantee collaborated on scope and schedules with three unique management teams.
Facility 2. Guarantee installed power feeders, distribution panels, permanent power and lighting for a new 1.3-mile tunnel and the stations. The firm helped McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. in the redesign and installation of electrical grounding systems. Special attention was focused on project safety, including work within confined spaces, extensive shoring for the massive excavation, and continuous air monitoring within the tunnel structure.
Facility 3. For the portion running through the heart of downtown Clayton, Mo., Guarantee achieved careful coordination with county authorities and construction team members, including Fred Weber Inc., to ensure closed traffic lanes caused minimal commuter disruption. Guarantee also worked closely with the city of Clayton to meet specific requirements for the appearance of light poles and signals as it completed extensive rework of traffic signals.
Facility 5. The Facility 5 project created four bridges, including one that soars above Interstate 44. These bridgesrequired distinctive electrical grounding to prevent stray electrical current. KCI Construction was the general contractor.
