Delivering Solutions

Rail

Connecting Communities With Reliable Rail Infrastructure

Connecting Communities With Reliable Rail Infrastructure

As communities grow and transportation demands increase, rail and transit systems play an essential role in keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently. Modernizing aging infrastructure, expanding capacity and improving system reliability are key priorities for owners and operators.

Balfour Beatty works with transit agencies, rail authorities and freight operators to design, build, modernize and maintain rail infrastructure across the country. The company delivers integrated solutions that enhance safety, reliability and connectivity while supporting long-term mobility and economic growth.

Live Traffic: The Fifth Fatal Risk

Zero Harm demands that we recognize the full spectrum of safety hazards. Live traffic stands as our fifth fatal risk alongside OSHA’s “Fatal Four,” representing the immediate dangers our teams face when working in proximity to moving vehicles, pedestrians, heavy machinery and more. Whether on highway projects separated only by temporary barriers, or on urban sites coordinating deliveries through congested streets, this critical risk touches every aspect of our operations.

This recognition stems from our unwavering commitment to protect not just our workforce, but also the traveling public whose paths intersect with our projects daily. By elevating live traffic to this critical status, we strengthen our safety culture through enhanced training, innovative protection systems and proactive community engagement .

The inclusion of live traffic as our fifth fatal risk reminds us that safety doesn’t end at the project boundary, but instead, it follows us onto every road we travel. Each time we slow down, move over and stay alert on the road – especially in a work zone – we save lives.

Slow down, make room, save lives
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When Emergency Services Are Required

Emergency trouble calls apply to any condition that creates an immediate safety risk to train movements, roadway workers, or the public, or that invalidates signal or movement authority. These situations require immediate action and dispatcher coordination.

1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

What Happens During an Emergency Response

While procedures vary by railroad, emergency calls typically trigger:

  • Immediate train stops or issuance of track protection
  • Blocking of opposing or conflicting movements
  • Dispatcher and signal supervisor notification
  • Rapid dispatch of qualified signal or track personnel
  • Temporary speed restrictions or pilot orders as needed
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Signal and Train Control Failures

  • False clear or false proceed signal indications
  • Opposing signals displaying proceed aspects at the same time
  • Signals failing to drop after a train passes
  • Loss of signal control or vital communications
  • PTC enforcing incorrectly or failing to enforce when required
  • Any wrong‑side failure where the system becomes less restrictive instead of more restrictive
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Track Occupancy and Detection Failures

  • Track circuits showing clear when occupied
  • Failure to shunt or broken rail not detected
  • Intermittent or unexpected loss of track occupancy
  • Joint bond or impedance bond failures affecting detection
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Interlocking, Switch, and Derail Protection Issues

  • Switch position does not match indication
  • Switch unlocked while displaying a proceed signal
  • Power switch failing to lock
  • Hand throw or dual‑control switches not properly detected
  • Derails not detected or indicating the wrong position
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Grade Crossing Emergencies (Public Safety Priority)

  • Crossing fails to activate with an approaching train
  • Gates up or lights off during train movement
  • Gates down with no train present and blocking traffic
  • Damaged gate arms or crossing equipment
  • Commercial power loss without backup operation
  • Vehicle or pedestrian strikes involving crossing equipment
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Physical Damage or Environmental Events

  • Signals struck by equipment or vandalized
  • Exposed wiring, flooding, fire, or lightning damage
  • Derailments impacting signal or track infrastructure
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Dispatcher or Train Crew “Stop and Check” Reports

  • Conflicting or confusing signal aspects
  • Trains stopping short of a proceed indication
  • Unexpected signal or track changes observed by dispatchers
  • Abnormal indications reported by previous trains
    These are treated as emergencies until proven otherwise.
  • 1-833-7BB-RAIL | RailMaintenance@balfourbeattyus.com

    Metrolink

    Balfour Beatty is the sole on-call installation service contract provider for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) to deliver communication and signal systems installation services for the Metrolink regional passenger rail system.

    CA Transit Rail Active
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    LAX Automated People Mover

    The Automated People Mover at LAX will play a key role in delivering a long-term and transformative transportation solution that eases traffic congestion, provides reliable access to airline terminals for passengers and employees and brings jobs and workforce development opportunities to the LA community.

    CA Transportation Rail Active
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    Kevin Jolin

    Technical Systems Director, US Rail

    Relentless Ally since 2023

    Kevin Jolin is a trusted and respected business leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning technical and program management, systems integration, operations, business development and product support. As the technical systems director for Balfour Beatty’s US Rail operations, Kevin leads complex infrastructure programs with a focus on operational excellence, collaborative leadership and quality execution.

    Since joining Balfour Beatty, Kevin has been a major contributor to the successful completion of the system, traction power and SCADA packages for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Green Line Extension and the notable Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Automated People Mover (APM), where he serves as technical advisor. On the Caltrain Design-Build Electrification project, his leadership has been instrumental in the successful interconnection, testing and commissioning of 38 electrical facilities across a 52-mile corridor, including substations, switching stations and wayside power cabinets. In addition, Kevin also provides organizational support for Balfour Beatty’s Total Power Group manufacturing operation.

    A former U.S. Marine, Kevin brings discipline, focus and strategic insight to every engagement. He is deeply committed to team development, organizational ethics and continuous improvement.

    Kevin is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University and holds additional academic credentials in business management and electrical engineering technology. He is an active member of the Project Management Institute and the International Council on Systems Engineering.

    Mark Konchar

    President, US Civils

    Relentless Ally since 1999

    Mark is a driving force for progress, leading US Civils operations with an unwavering commitment to excellence. As president, he manages projects that are essential for modern life: highways and bridges in aiding transportation; water infrastructure in guaranteeing access to clean resources; vital electrification systems in powering opportunities; and advanced rail networks in connecting people across America.

    Since 1999, Mark has been instrumental in the success of Balfour Beatty. In his roles as Managing Director of US Rail Operations and prior positions across procurement and project delivery, he’s nurtured strong relationships with clients, partners and team members on renowned projects such as Los Angeles International Airport's Automated People Mover, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Green Line Extension, Caltrain’s Electrification program and numerous Federal & Healthcare developments, including the Pentagon Memorial.

    Mark is a true team player who demonstrates Balfour Beatty's people-first culture daily. He always applies an innovative approach to complex issues and excels at motivating others in his workplace and beyond. In addition, Mark contributes to advancing our professional development programs by leveraging his experience and passion for learning and serves as a Pillar Member of Bridges to Prosperity - one of the most renowned industry partners and a nonprofit international mission dedicated to building footbridges across the world.

    With a bachelor's and doctorate degree in architectural engineering from Penn State University, Mark brings decades of experience to the table. He has been integral in research projects that have pushed industry standards forward and authoring several articles and reports like his co-authorship on "Selecting Project Delivery Systems" and “Change Your Space, Change Your Culture.”

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    Balfour Beatty serves clients across the nation. Connect with us to learn how we can best serve your project needs.

     

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    640 E. Arrow Highway
    La Verne, CA 91750
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