Ultrasonic Rail Testing Specification~1.docx

MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE OF WAY DIRECTORATE

SPECIFICATIONS FOR

RAIL FLAW DETECTION SERVICE

(ULTRASONIC RAIL TESTING)

MAY 2026

· Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Specification: Rail Flaw Detection Service (Ultra-Sonic Rail Testing)

1. Introduction The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide ultrasonic inspection services.

2. Inspection Service Overview

2.1 Inspect approximately 140 miles of MBTA transit mainline track divided into 5 lines: Green, Orange, Red, Blue, and Mattapan/PCC Lines.

2.2 Inspections are on a semi-annual basis, beginning approximately August 2026, for a period of three (3) years, with two 1-year option periods at the MBTA’s discretion.

2.3 Frequency may be increased or decreased during the terms of the agreement. Testing of other track not listed below may be required during the terms of the agreement.

Power

Catenary Catenary

Surface Ballast Direct Fixation Asphalt, Rubber & Concrete Crossdrive Ballast Direct Fixation Ballast Direct Fixation

Ballast Ballast Direct Fixation Asphalt, Rubber & Concrete Crossdrive

Subway single track mile

Deadhead single track mile

Total single track mile

56.1

42.0

24.8

12.1

5.0

3. Track Description

MBTA UT Test Specification May 2026

4. Track Availability

4.1 Contractor can expect to have up to three (3) hours of on-track time per work shift (typically 1:30AM to 4:30AM, 7 days a week) during non-revenue hours. Contractor is expected to work a minimum of five (5) shifts per week, except for holiday shortened weeks.

4.2 The MBTA Track Engineer will coordinate with MBTA Planning and Scheduling Coordinators to arrange Contractor’s access to the various Lines. MBTA will notify Contractor by 5PM prior to any shift that cannot proceed due to emergency or other MBTA higher priority work. MBTA reserves the right to cancel work on shorter notice due to extreme weather, acts of nature, operational needs or other circumstances beyond the control of the MBTA.

4.3 If there is an interruption to the contractor’s scheduled access, attempts will be made to have alternate testing locations available to the contractor when possible.

4.4 Shared track time with other crews and limited track rights are to be expected. The contractor is expected to cooperate with others that are authorized to access the track and have flexibility to work within limited track rights.

5. Operating Requirements The MBTA must maintain rail operations at all scheduled times for the benefit of the public. The Contractor’s operations must not:

a. Cause damage to MBTA equipment

b. Interrupt MBTA service

c. Put the public or MBTA personnel in danger

d. Cause inconvenience to MBTA customers, the public and surrounding communities.

6. Vehicle, Equipment and Personnel

6.1 Hi-Rail Vehicle

6.1.1 The Contractor will furnish, operate, maintain, and power a hi-rail vehicle. The vehicle must:

a. be self-propelled, diesel-powered, and capable of setting on and off track at standard level crossings.

b. comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

c. fall within the clearance envelopes provided and clear all obstructions throughout the MBTA Right of Way, including third rail, platforms, tunnels and signals.

d. negotiate curved track geometry locations as tight as 100’ radius in restrained conditions.

e. have traction power and braking control for grades of six percent (6%).

f. have available seating with seatbelt for at least one (1) MBTA employee.

g. be measured and certified for clearances only by MBTA Maintenance of Way Track Engineers prior to the starting of testing.

h. have modified hi-rail wheels (for Green Line testing only) with dimensions in accordance with details in provided clearance diagrams.

6.1.2 Details of hi-rail vehicle shall be included with bid response

6.2 Testing Equipment

6.2.1 Testing system must meet or exceed AREMA Category I performance guidelines for rail testing.

6.2.2 Portable testing equipment shall be a single pass system.

6.2.2 UT couplant shall be quick evaporating, non-toxic and non-freezing (when testing in sub-freezing temperatures).

6.3 Testing Personnel

6.3.1 Attend a required 8-hour Right-of-Way (ROW) Safety Training prior to working on MBTA property. ROW training is provided at no cost to the contractor. Contractor is required to renew ROW certification as necessary.

6.3.2 Wear an MBTA-issued Contractor badge, and MBTA approved safety vest (ANSI type).

6.3.3 Wear any other safety clothing/equipment as required by MBTA ROW rules.

7. Testing Requirements

7.1 The Contractor must detect and determine the type, size, and position of all rail defects, including, but not limited to: defective welds, joint defects, vertical split heads, horizontal split heads, transverse fissures, head and web separation, split webs, detail fractures, bolt hole cracks and wheel burn fractures.

7.2 The detection system must detect flaws in real time by the start/stop test process complemented by manual verification.

7.3 The portable test process may be utilized at various locations where track is bound by curved geometry of less than 100’ radius in double restrained conditions (approximately 2.5miles) if the Contractor’s hi-rail vehicle is unable to negotiate curves of less than 100’ radius.

7.4 The web and base of the rail must be marked with high visibility marking paint and survey ribbon on both sides of the rail to show the limits of the defect. A defect number and classification code, including size code shall be clearly marked on the gauge side web of the rail adjacent to the defect. Markings shall be durable such that they remain legible for at least 90 days.

8. Reporting

8.1 The Contractor will communicate to MBTA personnel each rail defect at the time that it is identified. Contractor will provide defect records within 2 hours of conclusion of each shift as either a hard copy or pdf file. Defect records must include:

a. Date of detection

b. Unique identification number

c. The Line

d. Track direction

e. Location based on MBTA 100’ chain markers and rail (L/R).

f. Defect type, size and position in rail and track feature.

8.2 Within 2 weeks from the conclusion of the testing cycle, the Contractor must produce an end of test report. The final report of the test cycle must include:

a. Location of all joint bars throughout the tested system

b. Comparison of non-reportable defects from prior test cycles that have increased in severity.

c. Barred defects from prior test cycles that have increased in severity.

9. Measurement & Payment Ultra-sonic rail testing will be paid at a daily rate, which must include all transportation costs to / from and within the MBTA property, and all provisions for required personnel, equipment, tools, supplies, and power. If the MBTA cancels testing after 11PM, the Contractor will be compensated one quarter (¼) of the daily rate. If the Contractor shows up to the site and cannot perform the test because of malfunctioning equipment, the MBTA is NOT responsible to pay for the lost day.

10. Invoicing Invoices must be emailed to the MBTA Contract Manager and invoices@mbta.com.