C3M Power Systems and Aldridge Electric Transform Metro Services

C3M Power Systems and joint venture partner Aldridge Electric (C3M-Aldridge) are updating radio, cellular, and IT infrastructure across the entire Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) metro system. As part of the WMATA Fiber Optic Infrastructure and Metro Box Enclosure Installation project, C3M-Aldridge is installing more than two million feet of fiber optic cabling and microducts along the tracks and in above-ground stations, and installing network equipment at more than 500 ancillary locations.

fiber microducts are loaded to the platform for the overnight team.

Full shutdowns of two segments of track were implemented to minimize disturbances to Metro system service and enhance the project schedule. While full shutdowns are typically uncommon, they can provide unforeseen benefits. The project team is able to access the tracks 24/7, instead of working overnight or executing work on a piecemeal basis. This approach enabled the C3M and Aldridge Electric teams to complete the work in a timely and efficient manner. 

The first shutdown affected northeast stations on the Orange Line between June 1 and September 5, 2022. The project team logged 24,741 man hours and installed 200,000 feet of cable. 

over two million feet of fiber optic cabling and microducts ARE being installed along the tracks and in above-ground stations.

The second shutdown affected stations south of Reagan National Airport on the Yellow and Blue Lines between September 10 and November 2, 2022. The team logged 14,969 man hours and installed 98,710 feet of cable and 40,523 feet of microduct.

These improvements to Metro services will further enhance the customer experience, while keeping the region's infrastructure up to date. The project is slated for completion in summer of 2026.