Status of the transportation technology center - 2015 : final report.

Tunna, John; Maal, Luis · 2016 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research, Development, and Technology

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Summary

This report documents the status of the Transportation Technology Center (TTC), a federally owned, privately operated test facility managed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) near Pueblo, Colorado. The document serves as a comprehensive inventory of the center’s infrastructure, detailing the condition of its buildings, laboratories, test tracks, and equipment as of December 2015. The primary objective is to record the current state of FRA-owned assets to assist potential users and establish a baseline for future site investment planning. The facility, authorized by the High Speed Ground Transportation Act of 1968 and constructed in the 1970s, supports research, testing, and training for government and private entities to improve transportation safety, security, and efficiency. The TTC encompasses approximately 33,500 acres of leased land featuring over 50 miles of test track configured for various vehicle-track interaction studies, with a maximum test speed of 165 mph. The infrastructure includes eighteen large buildings housing offices, workshops, and specialized laboratories, such as the Rail Dynamics Laboratory and the Security and Emergency Response Training Center. Key testing capabilities include overhead and third-rail electrification, a Positive Train Control test bed, crash walls, and squeeze test frames. The report details specific assets, including the Railroad Test Track, Transit Test Track, and various laboratory facilities like the Rolling Contact Fatigue Simulator and Dynamometer. It also covers utility systems, motor vehicle fleets, and environmental factors, noting the semi-arid climate and specific wildlife hazards such as antelope. The findings indicate that sustained investment since the 1970s has kept most assets in good working order. However, the report identifies that certain long-life assets are nearing the end of their useful lives and require replacement. Specific structural assessments reveal that while the Operations Building has undergone significant sustainability upgrades, the Project Management Building remains unused since 2007 due to asbestos contamination requiring mitigation before reoccupation. The Rail Dynamics Laboratory and other core facilities are described as structurally sound, with specific notes on crane capacities and pit dimensions. The document confirms that the facility maintains robust security measures, including 24-hour surveillance and controlled access, and adheres to environmental regulations regarding air quality and noise. The significance of this report lies in its role as an authoritative status update for a critical national research asset. By providing a detailed account of the facility’s capabilities and asset conditions, it facilitates informed decision-making for future maintenance, renovation, and operational planning. The identification of aging infrastructure highlights areas requiring capital investment to maintain the center’s state-of-the-art status. Furthermore, the report underscores the TTC’s continued relevance in supporting emerging transportation technologies and safety standards, ensuring the facility remains a viable resource for federal and private sector research into rail dynamics and vehicle performance.

Key finding

The Transportation Technology Center comprises over fifty miles of test track, eighteen large buildings, and specialized laboratory facilities that are generally in good working order, though some long-life assets are nearing the end of their useful lives.

Methodology

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Provenance

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