Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) selected civil engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) to manage the extension of platforms at 28 stations.

The project will modify platforms along the Red and Blue light rail transit lines to accommodate three-car trains. Modifications will include extending four aerial stations, 22 at-grade stations, and two below-grade stations, as well as adding raised platform areas to permit level boarding.

“The added capacity will help open some rush hour trips that are extremely full. This makes those trips available to more people and gives them a better experience,” said John Rhone, DART VP.

Currently, the Red and Blue lines are limited to two-car trains due to platform lengths at 28 of the existing stations. By expanding the platforms at these stations, three-car trains can be operated system-wide, significantly increasing capacity throughout the rail system. DART estimates that when the project is complete, capacity on the light rail system will increase by 50%.

“During the initial design of the rail system, DART proactively planned to trigger station platform extensions once the need was warranted by ridership,” said Chris Masters, PE, LAN’s VP. “The project will ease congestion during peak hours, reduce commuting times, and provide a more comfortable ride for passengers. We are looking forward to working with DART to deliver the project in a timely and coordinated manner that enhances the rider experience.”

Design of the approximately $124 million project is currently underway and construction is expected to begin in summer of 2019.