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Classifications and Credentials:
Lowell National Historic Park
Project Summary
- Client: U.S. Department of Transportation / Volpe Center
- Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
- Completion: On-time & under budget
- Services Provided: Track rehabilitation, road crossing replacement, catenary pole upgrades
Track Tech Inc. was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to perform a comprehensive rehabilitation of trolley track and overhead catenary systems at the historic Lowell National Historic Park.
This project required a multidisciplinary approach involving demolition, new track construction, complex utility coordination, and the phased replacement of both surface crossings and overhead electrical infrastructure.
Scope of Work Included:
- Full demolition of 0.25 miles of historic trolley track and pedestrian platforms
- Reconstruction of two road crossings, including new crossing materials, traffic control, and sidewalk restoration
- Replacement of 49 aging wooden catenary poles with new galvanized steel poles across two segments: from Wyes to Suffolk, and from Wyes to Swamp Locks
- Installation of new ballast, ties, rail, and surface track features
- Grounding, surge protection, wire re-tensioning, and safety signage for new catenary system
- Final testing, energization, and trolley system certification
CHallenges & Solutions
Project Challenges & Solutions
Challenge #1
Limited Access & Historic Site Restrictions
The project took place within an active, historic urban corridor with limited space for staging,
equipment movement, and spoil removal. Strict requirements were imposed to preserve adjacent structures and minimize disruption to public and commercial spaces.
Our Solution
Track Tech established detailed traffic control and mobilization plans, including night work, swing shifts, and phased
road closures. This allowed crews to
work efficiently in narrow windows while maintaining access to sensitive locations.
Challenge #2
Underground Utilities and Live Catenary
Numerous catenary poles were located near gas lines and other utilities, requiring extreme
caution during excavation and pole setting. Additionally, the catenary system required phased disconnection and re-energization coordinated with licensed electricians.
Our Solution
Track Tech implemented a specialized rigging & excavation plan, hand-digging in high-risk areas and using licensed electricians to test, isolate, & restore power safely. Teams worked in
synchronized phases to maintain safety & meet project milestones without delay.
Challenge #3
Fabrication Lead Times & Custom Hardware Requirements
Several new pole assemblies required
custom-fabricated steel parts and coordination with government-furnished materials, all on a tight timeline.
Our Solution
Track Tech proactively staged fabrication and delivery ahead of schedule, ensuring that delays in material availability did not impact the construction sequence. Internal tracking and quality assurance processes ensured every piece was ready and compliant prior to installation.
Coordination requirements
Results and Highlights
Despite a highly constrained site, extensive coordination requirements, and technical complexity, Track Tech completed the Lowell project on time and under budget. Crews restored all
pedestrian areas, crossings, and site conditions to pre-project standards, and post-construction testing confirmed a fully functional trolley system.
This project reflects Track Tech’s expertise in historic rail infrastructure, overhead electrification, and complex coordination within active public environments. It also showcases our ability to tackle high-barrier-to-entry rail projects with precision, safety, and operational excellence.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to the Track Tech team for inquiries, quotes, or further information about our railroad construction services. We’re here to connect, collaborate, and ensure your rail needs are met with precision and expertise.