17-Reference 06- UTA Design Criteria Manual R1 2024 10 01.pdf

DESIGN CRITERIA

MANUAL

September 2024

Design Criteria Manual i

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM GOALS

1.2.1 Proven Hardware

1.2.2 Design Life

1.2.3 Service Integration

1.2.4 Risk Management

1.3 SYSTEM SAFETY AND SECURITY

1.3.1 Safety Considerations

1.3.2 System Security Goals

1.4 WEATHER CONDITIONS CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMS DESIGN

1.5 RELATED DOCUMENTS

1.6 SPECIFIC CHAPTERS

CHAPTER 2 ENVIRONMENTAL

2.1 GENERAL

2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

2.2.1 Acquisitions and Relocations

2.2.2 Air Quality

2.2.3 Biological Resources

2.2.4 Community Impacts

2.2.5 Economic Impacts

2.2.6 Energy Conservation

2.2.7 Environmental Justice

2.2.8 Geology and Soils

2.2.9 Hazardous Materials

2.2.10 Historic, Architectural, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources

2.2.11 Traffic

2.2.12 Transit Noise and Vibration

2.2.13 Safety/Security

2.2.14 Section 4(f) Requirements

2.2.15 Visual

2.2.16 Water Resources

CHAPTER 3 RUNNING WAY AND TRACK ALIGNMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 BRT RUNNING WAYS

3.2.1 BRT Running Ways – General

3.2.2 Types of BRT Running Ways

3.2.3 Other BRT Design Considerations

3.2.4 Pavement Design

3.2.5 Design Vehicle

3.2.6 Access by Non-Bus Traffic and Pedestrian Access

3.3 COMMUTER RAIL TRACK ALIGNMENT

3.3.1 Design Speed

3.3.2 Track Center Spacing

3.3.3 Clearances - General

3.3.4 Horizontal Alignment

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3.3.5 Vertical Alignments

3.4 LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) TRACK ALIGNMENT

3.4.1 General

3.4.2 Design Speed

3.4.3 Semi-Exclusive LRT Track in Dedicated Right-of-Way Alignment Criteria

3.4.4 Semi-Exclusive Joint Use LRT/Freight Track Alignment Criteria

3.4.5 LRT Track in Existing Streets Alignment Criteria

3.4.6 LRT Lead and Yard Track and Freight Industrial Track Alignment Criteria

3.4.7 CLEARANCES

3.5 STREETCAR TRACK ALIGNMENT CRITERIA

3.5.1 Horizontal Alignment

3.5.2 Vertical Alignment

3.5.3 Clearances

CHAPTER 4 TRACKWORK

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.2 TRACK STANDARDS

4.3 COMMUTER RAIL GENERAL

4.3.1 Description

4.3.2 References

4.3.3 CRT Track Standards

4.3.4 CRT Track Classification

4.3.5 Types of Track

4.3.6 Track Materials

4.3.7 Special Trackwork

4.3.8 Miscellaneous Track Components

4.3.9 Fill

4.4 LIGHT RAIL/STREETCAR GENERAL

4.4.1 LRT Track System

4.4.2 Track Types

4.4.3 Track Gauge

4.4.4 Track Construction Tolerances

4.4.5 Traction Power—Impact on Track

4.4.6 Signaling and Train Control Impact on Track

4.4.7 Ballast, Subballast, and Subgrade

4.4.8 Concrete Ties, Timber Ties, and Switch Ties

4.4.9 Running Rail

4.4.10 Rail Deflection

4.4.11 Emergency Guardrail

4.4.12 Tie Plates for Timber Ties

4.4.13 Special Trackwork Plates for Timber Switch Ties

4.4.14 Derails

4.4.15 Special Trackwork

4.4.16 Switch Machines—Power Operated and Manual

4.4.17 Rail Expansion Joints

4.4.18 At-Grade Crossings

4.4.19 Miscellaneous Track Appurtenances

4.4.20 Embedded Track Drains

4.4.21 Rail Lubricators

CHAPTER 5 CIVIL WORK

5.1 GENERAL

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5.2 SURVEYING AND MAPPING

5.2.1 Survey Control System

5.3 ROADWAY ELEMENTS

5.3.1 General

5.3.2 Applicable Standards

5.3.3 Grading

5.3.4 Traffic Lane Widths

5.3.5 On-street Parking

5.3.6 Curbs, Wheelchair Ramps, and Curb Cuts

5.3.7 Sidewalks and Park Strips

5.3.8 Driveways

5.3.9 Paving

5.4 BUS FACILITIES

5.4.1 Local Bus Service

5.4.2 Turning Radii

5.4.3 Bus Stop Placement Criteria

5.4.4 Bus Shelter Pads

5.4.5 Bus Loading Zones

5.5 MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC

5.6 DRAINAGE

5.6.1 General

5.6.2 Submittals

5.6.3 Drainage Provisions

5.6.4 Hydrology and Hydraulics

5.6.5 Design Method

5.6.6 Storm Frequency

5.6.7 Fencing

5.7 RIGHT-OF-WAY

5.7.1 General

5.7.2 Types of Property Ownership and Rights

5.7.3 At-Grade Construction

5.7.4 Right-of-Way Information Requirements

CHAPTER 6 UTILITIES

6.1 GENERAL

6.2 EXISTING INFORMATION

6.2.1 Ownership by Others

6.3 UTILITY AGREEMENTS

6.3.1 Master Utility Agreements

6.3.2 Supplemental Utility Agreements

6.3.3 Betterment Utility Agreements

6.4 SCOPE OF RELOCATION

6.4.1 Drawings

6.5 UTAH TRANSIT AUTHORITY RESTRICTED UTILITY AREA

6.6 CONFLICTING UTILITIES

6.6.1 Crossing Utilities (Underground)

6.6.2 Crossing and Parallel Utilities (Overhead)

6.6.3 Parallel Utilities (Underground)

6.6.4 Abandoned Utilities

6.7 CORROSION PROTECTION

6.8 NATURAL GAS LINES

6.8.1 Standards

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6.8.2 Requirements within Railroad ROW

6.9 SANITARY SEWERS

6.9.1 Standards

6.9.2 General Requirements

6.9.3 Manhole Locations

6.10 UNDERGROUND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

6.11 WATER MAINS

6.11.1 Standards

6.11.2 Requirements

6.12 LIQUID-PETROLEUM PIPELINES

6.12.1 Standards

6.13 STREETLIGHTS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS

6.13.1 Standards

6.14 OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES

6.14.1 Standards

CHAPTER 7 STRUCTURAL

7.1 GENERAL

7.1.1 Introduction

7.1.2 Design Codes, Manuals, and Specifications

7.1.3 Responsibility for Geotechnical Information

7.1.4 Loads and Forces

7.1.5 Differential Settlement

7.1.6 Earthquake (EQ)

7.1.7 Horizontal Earth Pressure (E)

7.1.8 Hydrostatic Pressure and Buoyancy (B)

7.1.9 Wind Load on Structure (WS)

7.1.10 Wind Load on Live Load (WL)

7.1.11 Force from Stream Current, Floating Ice, and Drift

7.1.12 Thermal Force (T)

7.1.13 Pier Protection Walls

7.2 SPECIAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

7.2.1 Vibration Limitations

7.2.2 Track Work

7.2.3 Fatigue

7.2.4 Uplift

7.2.5 Friction

7.2.6 End Diaphragms

7.2.7 Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Design

7.2.8 Emergency Access and Provisions

7.2.9 Improvements on UPRR or Other Non-UTA Right-of-Way

7.3 MATERIALS

7.3.1 General

7.3.2 Fire Protection of Structures

7.3.3 Structural Steel

7.3.4 Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete

7.4 EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURES

7.4.1 General

7.4.2 Types of Retaining Walls, Abutments, and Wingwalls

7.4.3 Soils and Geological Criteria

7.4.4 Elastomeric Bearings

7.4.5 Improvements on UPRR or Other Non-UTA Right-of-Way

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CHAPTER 8 STATIONS AND STOPS

8.1 GENERAL

8.1.1 Scope

8.1.2 Codes and Standards

8.1.3 General Design Parameters

8.2 BRT PLATFORMS

8.2.1 Configuration

8.2.2 EV Bus Charging

8.3 CRT PLATFORMS

8.3.1 Configuration

8.4 LRT PLATFORMS

8.4.1 Configuration

8.4.2 Platform Height and Offsets

8.5 STREETCAR PLATFORMS

8.5.1 Configuration

8.5.2 Platform Height

8.6 GENERAL STATION REQUIREMENTS

8.6.1 Platform Surface

8.6.2 Fare Vending Equipment

8.6.3 Amenities and Provisions

8.6.4 Signing and Communications

8.6.5 Public Address (PA) System

8.6.6 Advertising

8.6.7 Railings

8.6.8 Maintenance Space and Procedures

8.6.9 Circulation Elements

8.6.10 Lighting

8.6.11 Other Station Considerations

8.6.12 Crime Prevention and Vandal Resistance

8.6.13 General Materials and Finishes Guidelines

CHAPTER 9 LANDSCAPING

9.1 GENERAL

9.2 OBJECTIVES (GOALS)

9.3 REFERENCE CODES AND LANDSCAPE STANDARDS

9.4 LANDSCAPING CONSIDERATIONS AND CRITERIA

9.4.1 Climate Control

9.4.2 Height Requirements

9.4.3 Movement Control

9.4.4 Grading and Drainage

9.4.5 Berming

9.4.6 Slope Stabilization

9.4.7 Retaining Walls

9.4.8 Planter Walls/Landscape Walls

9.4.9 Lighting and Signage Interface

9.4.10 Irrigation

9.5 SECURITY/SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

9.6 SITE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

9.6.1 Station

9.6.2 Platform

9.6.3 Relationship of the Park-and-Ride Facility to the Platform vi

9.6.4 Parking Lot (Park-and-Ride)

9.6.5 Bus Drop-Off to the Platform

9.6.6 Kiss-and-Ride Relationship to the Platform

9.6.7 Railroad Right-of-Way

9.7 RECOMMENDED PLANT LIST—LOW WATER USE

9.7.1 Trees

9.7.2 Vines and Ground Covers

9.7.3 Flowers and Forbs

9.7.4 Ornamental Grasses

9.8 PLANT MATERIALS

9.8.1 Canopy Trees

9.8.2 Understory/Decorative Trees

9.8.3 Conifers

9.8.4 Shrubs and Hedges

9.8.5 Vines and Ground Cover

9.9 TREES

9.9.1 Patterns

9.9.2 Size Guidelines

9.9.3 Tree Pits

9.9.4 Tree Grates

9.9.5 Tree Guards

9.9.6 Tree Root Barriers

9.9.7 Guying and Staking

9.9.8 Topsoil

9.9.9 Mulch

CHAPTER 10 TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SIGNALS

10.1 INTRODUCTION

10.1.1 Responsible Owner

10.2 APPLICABLE STANDARDS

10.3 AGENCY COORDINATION

10.3.1 Local Agency Requirements and Coordination

10.3.2 Coordination with Adjacent Railroads

10.4 GENERAL OPERATIONS

10.4.1 Mixed Flow Operations

10.4.2 Dedicated Running Way Operations

10.5 DESIGN GUIDELINES

10.5.1 Traffic Signal Items

10.5.2 Communications/Interconnect

10.5.3 TSP/Signal Timing & Coordination

10.5.4 BRT Detection

10.5.5 LRT Detection

10.5.6 Railroad Preemption

10.5.7 Queue Cutter Signals

10.5.8 Channelization

10.5.9 Turns Crossing the Tracks at Signalized Intersections

10.6 TRAFFIC SIGNAL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

10.7 SIGNS

10.8 PEDESTRIAN CONSIDERATIONS

10.8.1 General

10.8.2 Pedestrian Movements at and Near Stations

10.8.3 Crosswalks

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10.8.4 Islands

10.9 GRADE CROSSING WARNING DEVICES

10.9.1 Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

10.9.2 Private Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

10.10 BRT PAVEMENT MARKINGS

CHAPTER 11 TRANSIT VEHICLES

11.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION BUS RAPID TRANSIT VEHICLE

11.1.1 Vehicle Configuration

11.1.2 Boarding and Alighting

11.1.3 Electrical Vehicle Supporting Infrastructure

11.1.4 Vehicle Finishes

11.2 COMMUTER RAIL VEHICLES

11.2.1 General Description

11.2.2 Locomotive

11.2.3 Commuter Passenger Vehicles

11.3 HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM

11.4 LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE

11.4.1 General Description

11.4.2 Weight Constraints and Design Loading

11.4.3 Light Rail Vehicle Dimensions

11.4.4 Vehicle Performance

CHAPTER 12 ELECTRIC TRACTION POWER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

12.1 INTRODUCTION

12.2 REQUIREMENTS

12.2.1 Traction Power Substations

12.2.2 DC Feeder System

12.2.3 Overhead Contact System (OCS)

12.2.4 Signal and Communications System Interface

12.2.5 Sectionalization

12.2.6 Design Environment

12.2.7 Codes and Standards

12.3 TRACTION POWER SUBSTATIONS

12.3.1 General

12.3.2 System Operating Requirements

12.3.3 Basis for Substation Location, Spacing, and Rating

12.3.4 Substation Power Supply

12.3.5 Substation Equipment

12.3.6 Substation Enclosure

12.3.7 Substation Foundation

12.3.8 Substation Grounding

12.3.9 Ventilation

12.3.10 Noise Level

12.3.11 Miscellaneous

12.4 DC FEEDER SYSTEM

12.4.1 General

12.4.2 Cables

12.4.3 Raceways

12.5 OVERHEAD CONTACT SYSTEM

12.5.1 General

12.5.2 OCS Configuration

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12.5.3 Operations

12.5.4 Contact Wire Height

12.5.5 Vehicle Data

12.5.6 Climate Conditions

12.5.7 Loading

12.5.8 Span Lengths and Staggers

12.5.9 OCS Conductors

12.5.10 Construction and Maintenance Tolerance

12.5.11 Factor of Safety

12.5.12 Poles and Foundation

12.5.13 Electrical Clearances

12.5.14 OCS Support Systems

12.5.15 OCS Registration Systems

12.5.16 Disconnect Switches

12.5.17 OCS Tensioning

12.5.18 OCS Grounding and Bonding

12.5.19 Surge Protection

12.6 NEGATIVE RETURN PATH AND STRAY CURRENT CONTROL

CHAPTER 13 TRAIN CONTROL

13.1 GENERAL (CRT)

13.1.1 Definitions

13.1.2 System Description

13.1.3 Systems Assurance

13.1.4 System Safety

13.1.5 Recommended Spare Parts List

13.1.6 Circuit Design Drawings

13.1.7 Technical Literature

13.1.8 As-In Service Drawings and Logic

13.1.9 Warranty

13.1.10 System Interfaces

13.1.11 Functional Design Requirements

13.1.12 Signal Equipment and Technologies

13.2 LRT SIGNAL SYSTEM

13.2.1 General (LRT)

13.2.2 Signal System Description

13.2.3 Interface Requirements

13.2.4 Site Work

13.2.5 Electrical Requirements for Signal Work

13.2.6 Functional Design Requirements

13.2.7 ABS Signal Block Design

13.2.8 Highway Rail Grade Crossing Warning

13.2.9 Interlocking Control

13.2.10 Yard

13.2.11 Signal Power

13.2.12 Signal Equipment and Technologies

13.2.13 Highway Crossing Warning Devices

13.2.14 Equipment Housings

13.2.15 Wire and Cable

13.2.16 Installation, Testing, Manuals, and Training

CHAPTER 14 COMMUNICATIONS

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14.1 GENERAL

14.2 CODES AND STANDARDS

14.3 INSTALLATION, TESTING, MANUALS, AND TRAINING

14.4 WARRANTY AND INITIAL PROVISIONING

14.5 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

14.6 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INTERFACES

14.6.1 Operational Compatibility

14.6.2 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

14.7 SYSTEM SAFETY AND SYSTEM SECURITY

14.7.1 IP Security Camera System

14.7.2 Emergency Communication Devices

14.8 COMMUNICATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

14.8.1 Fiber Optic Conduit Duct Bank

14.8.2 Station I.T. Data Fiber Optic Cable

14.8.3 Signaling Communications & TPSS SCADA Fiber Optic Cable

14.8.4 Advanced Traffic Management (ATMS) Conduit Duct Bank and Fiber Optic Cable System

14.8.5 Microwave Transmission System

14.9 FARE COLLECTION DEVICES

14.10 ELECTRONIC PASSENGER INFORMATION SIGNS

14.11 TELEPHONE SYSTEM

14.11.1 VOIP Telephones

14.12 RADIO SYSTEMS

14.12.1 Two-Way Radio

14.12.2 Vehicle Radios

14.12.3 Mobiles and Portable Radios

14.13 RAIL TRANSIT COMMUNICATIONS

14.13.1 Wayside Communications Equipment

14.13.2 Central Control System (CCS) and SCADA Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)

14.14 CRT COMMUNICATIONS

14.14.1 Fire and Intrusion Detection System Alarms

14.15 COMMUNICATIONS POWER AND RACEWAY

14.15.1 Communications Raceway

14.15.2 Communications Power

14.16 BATTERY AND UPS BACK-UP POWER SUPPLY

CHAPTER 15 FARE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT

15.1 GENERAL

15.1.1 Conditions of Service

15.2 HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY

15.3 ADDITIONAL DESIGN CRITERIA

15.3.1 Power Supply

15.3.2 Mounting

15.3.3 Fare Collection Communications

CHAPTER 16 CORROSION CONTROL

16.1 GENERAL

16.1.1 Electric Bus Charging

16.2 SCOPE

16.3 STANDARDS AND CODES

16.4 PRE-DESIGN SURVEY AND TESTING

16.5 SOIL AND WATER CORROSION CONTROL

16.5.1 Materials of Construction

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16.5.2 Safety and Continuity of Operations

16.5.3 Accessibility of Installations

16.5.4 Special Considerations

16.5.5 Protective Coatings

16.5.6 Cathodic Protection

16.6 STRAY CURRENT CORROSION CONTROL

16.6.1 Baseline Corrosion Survey

16.6.2 Baseline Stray Current Survey

16.7 TRACKWORK

16.7.1 Ballasted Track Construction

16.7.2 Embedded Track Construction

16.7.3 Vehicle Grade Crossing and Pedestrian Crossing Track Construction

16.7.4 Direct Fixation Track Construction

16.7.5 Maintenance Shops and Yard

16.7.6 Special Trackwork and Hardware

16.7.7 Hardware

16.7.8 Track-to-Earth Resistance Testing

16.8 TRACTION POWER FACILITIES AND SUBSTATIONS

16.8.1 Traction Power Substations

16.8.2 Overhead Contact System

16.8.3 Negative Distribution System

16.8.4 Resistance-to-Earth Criteria

16.9 UTILITY STRUCTURES

16.9.1 Facilities Owned by Others

16.9.2 Bridge Structures

16.10 ATMOSPHERIC CORROSION CONTROL

16.10.1 Scope

16.11 GROUNDING

16.11.1 Scope

16.11.2 Design and Coordination of Grounding Systems

CHAPTER 17 YARDS AND SHOPS

17.1 INTRODUCTION

17.1.1 Standards, Codes, and Guidelines

17.2 COMMUTER RAIL YARDS AND SHOPS

17.2.1 Operating Requirements

17.2.2 Maintenance Shop

17.3 LRT YARDS AND SHOPS

17.3.1 General Requirements

17.3.2 Yard and Shop Facilities

17.3.3 LRT Heavy Maintenance Facility and Yard Requirements

17.3.4 LRT Light Maintenance Facility and Yard Requirements

17.4 BUS MAINTENANCE FACILITIES

CHAPTER 18 RAIL TRAILS

18.1 GENERAL

18.2 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

18.3 SITE WORK

18.3.1 Setback

18.3.2 Fencing

18.3.3 Trail Surface

18.3.4 Drainage

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18.3.5 Landscaping

18.3.6 Lighting

18.3.7 Signs

18.3.8 Striping

18.3.9 Roadway Interface Features

18.3.10 Restroom Facilities

18.4 CROSSINGS

CHAPTER 19 PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

19.1 GENERAL

19.2 STANDARDS

19.3 DESIGN INTENTIONS

19.4 IMPLEMENTATION

19.5 DEFINITIONS

19.6 PEDESTRIAN GRADE CROSSING DESIGN

19.6.1 Grade Crossing Diagnostic Review

19.6.2 Diagnostic Team

19.6.3 Existing Conditions and Hazard Assessment

19.6.4 Pedestrian Hazard Evaluation and Mitigation

CHAPTER 20 PARK AND RIDE LOTS

20.1 GENERAL

20.2 SCOPE

20.3 CODES AND STANDARDS

20.4 LIGHTING

20.5 GENERAL PARK AND RIDE SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES

20.5.1 Vehicular Entrances and Exits to Station Site Facilities

20.5.2 Kiss-and-Ride Facilities

20.5.3 Automobile Parking Facilities

20.5.4 Motorcycle Parking

20.5.5 Bicycle Storage

20.5.6 Borders of Parking Areas

20.5.7 Pedestrian Access

20.5.8 ADA

20.5.9 Park-and-Ride Entrance Signs

20.5.10 Snow Removal

20.6 CRIME PREVENTION AND VANDAL RESISTANCE

20.6.1 System Safety and Security

20.6.2 EV Charging

DESIGN CRITERIA MANUAL

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL

REQUIREMENTS

Chapter 1: General Requirements | i

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM GOALS

1.2.1 Proven Hardware

1.2.2 Design Life

1.2.3 Service Integration

1.2.4 Risk Management

1.3 SYSTEM SAFETY AND SECURITY

1.3.1 Safety Considerations

1.3.2 System Security Goals

1.4 WEATHER CONDITIONS CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMS DESIGN

1.5 RELATED DOCUMENTS

1.6 SPECIFIC CHAPTERS

Chapter 1: General Requirements | 1

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 Purpose

The material in the following chapters provides a uniform basis for project design of bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail transit (LRT), Streetcar, and commuter rail transit (CRT) systems. These criteria apply to all projects, including new construction, remodel, and rehabilitation projects.

For bus stops, wayfinding signs, and State of Good Repair projects, the criteria as set forth herein shall govern, or the appropriate governing documentation for these elements will be referenced herein.

For bus stop design details, see the UTA Bus Stop Master Plan, latest version.

These criteria serve as guidelines and do not substitute for engineering judgment and sound engineering practice.

Exceptions may apply in special cases. Applications for exceptions to the criteria, deviations from the criteria, changes to the criteria, additions to the criteria, and other questions shall be submitted in writing to UTA per UTA Capital Development Procedures 3C Design Criteria Section 5.2 and shall be approved in writing before any modification is implemented.

1.2 Transit System Goals

The basic goal of UTA’s transit systems is to provide improved public transportation systems in a cost-effective, environmentally sensitive, and socially responsible manner. The design of system elements will be based on a “design to cost” philosophy, where the designer works with UTA and the system’s stakeholders to define the scope of each system, ensuring it can be completed within the available budget.

UTA is responsible for delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and efficient public transportation within UTA’s service areas. UTA is constantly seeking to provide new and improved services to meet the transportation needs of the public and increase operational efficiency.

The principal objectives of the UTA system are to:

• Facilitate the safe and cost-effective movement of people.

• Provide efficient, high-capacity transit service to the communities located within UTA’s service area.

Chapter 1: General Requirements | 2

• Enhance economic potential in the corridor by improving access to existing and planned employment and activity centers by creating transit-oriented development (TOD) opportunities.

• Support regional plans and policies that describe a balanced transportation system.

• Support and contribute to regional air quality goals.

1.2.1 Proven Hardware

The transit system shall be designed to use proven subsystems hardware and design concepts. Subsystems shall be supplied by established manufacturers, have a documented operating history of previous and current usage, and be available off-the-shelf, as far as practicable. The same requirements shall apply to spare parts. Waiver of these requirements shall be considered only where the alternative subsystem offers substantial technical and cost advantages, is in an advanced state of development, and has accumulated substantial test data under near-revenue conditions.

Designs and specifications shall be prepared in such a way as to encourage competitive bidding by established manufacturers of transportation equipment in accordance with current procurement guidelines. Industry guidelines from recognized and established organizations such as the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association and the Utah Department of Transportation shall be used.

1.2.2 Design Life

The system’s structures, such as bridges and culverts, shall be designed for a minimum of 75 years. Stations shall be designed for a 25-year life, and other fixed facilities, including administrative and maintenance buildings, shall be designed for continued operation over a minimum period of 50 years before complete refurbishment and renovations are necessary due to wear.

Major facilities system equipment shall also be designed for a minimum of 15 years before complete replacement becomes necessary, assuming that approved maintenance policies are followed.

Major infrastructure system equipment shall also be designed for a minimum of 25 years before complete replacement becomes necessary, assuming that approved maintenance policies are followed.

Where possible, the functional life and capacity of the system shall be designed to match design life of a system’s element or be sufficiently scalable to accommodate future expansion.

Chapter 1: General Requirements | 3

1.2.3 Service Integration

Each system and/or project shall be designed as an integral part of the overall UTA transportation system. Design considerations shall include efficient passenger interchange to and from private and other public transportation modes. Incorporate active transportation elements where feasible.

1.2.4 Risk Management

A Risk Management strategy, proportional to the size and complexity of each system, shall be implemented to maintain the system on budget and on schedule. Risks identified and tracked shall include items that may affect the successful implementation of the system.

1.3 System Safety and Security

The primary safety goal of the transit system is to achieve the highest practicable level of safety while maintaining operational and cost effectiveness. All vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, buildings, and facilities shall be designed in accordance with all relevant codes and standards and maintained to ensure safe operation. Safety and security are to be priority considerations in the planning and execution of all work on the system. Decisions made during all phases of system development shall be based on UTA’s current Transit Agency Safety Plan (TASP).

1.3.1 Safety Considerations

The inherent safety of a transit system is most significantly influenced by the design of the system, particularly in its interaction with vehicles and pedestrians during operations. Designers shall be cognizant of, plan for, and complete designs that prioritize the safest means of interaction between travel modes. Required safety items are incorporated in the technical sections of this Design Criteria Manual. These safety items shall be included in the design plans and the detailed specifications prepared for the construction and procurement of physical systems.

1.3.1.1 ADA

All design elements will consider and accommodate customers and the public as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Chapter 1: General Requirements | 4

1.3.1.2 Signage

Standardized systems and signs should be utilized to provide the public with consistent, meaningful warnings, and regulatory information. For details on wayfinding and signage standards, refer to the UTA Wayfinding & Signage Sign Schedule and Drawing Package, latest version.

1.3.1.3 Grade Crossings (LRT, CRT and Streetcar)

All rail at-grade crossings that are not traffic signal-controlled shall have automatic crossing gates and raised medians. Quad gate intersections shall be considered where medians are not practical, and where budget, geometric/site, and traffic conditions warrant their use.

1.3.1.4 Hazard Identification and Mitigation

UTA employs the “21 box” Risk Assessment Matrix, which yields hazard ratings of High, Serious, Medium, Low, and Eliminated. UTA’s hazard mitigation procedures are outlined in Chapter 2, “Risk Management,” of the Transit Agency Safety Plan (TASP). The simplified process of hazard mitigation follows a “Find > Fix > Follow Up” approach to identify hazards, implement corrective actions, and check the effectiveness of the mitigation. The most effective corrective action is to eliminate the hazard.

One of UTA’s top core values is safety. To foster and maintain a consistent culture of safety among its employees and contractors, UTA has developed an official Transit Agency Safety Plan (TASP). The TASP covers a variety of safety-related topics, including the process used to identify hazards early during design so that the risk severity of any identified hazards can either be eliminated or mitigated to the lowest levels possible.

UTA recognizes that to effectively identify and assess the risk levels of potential hazards for an individual project, collaboration between UTA and the contr