AI Engineers, Inc. (AIE) is providing construction supervision and inspection, commissioning as well as safety plan services for this project. These include consulting, advising, and making recommendations to MNR management and Maintenance personnel during the Pre-Construction, Construction, and Post-Construction Phases of the Mott Haven Substation project.

The scope of this project consists of replacement of the existing, antiquated signal power equipment with new motor-alternator sets and control equipment, transformers and switchgear, including upgraded lighting, HVAC, and heaters. 

Site work includes trenching and excavation work for new ductbanks, conduits and manholes, which require associated environmental controls to properly manage contaminated soils and liquids generated. Additional work is required for the connection of a temporary, mobile substation already in fabrication under a separate contract, which will allow the substation upgrades to proceed with minimal impact to railroad operations. Additionally, 13.2kV AC ConEd electrical feeders will be spliced in to service the equipment in the yard. Calibration, testing, and independent commissioning will also be completed to ensure the new substation equipment performs and functions as anticipated. Minor maintenance and repair work on the existing substation building is anticipated to ensure a weather-tight building envelope.

AIE has worked closely with MNR and ConEd to maximize an efficient and less risky means to stage the work and sequencing of commissioning activities. AIE is working on behalf of MNR as the independent commissioning agent responsible for review and acceptance of testing and commissioning plans, oversight of all sequencing and staging, coordination with MNR and the utility, and supervision of third-party NETA testing and overall commissioning of the newly renovated signal power substation.

During project startup, AIE’s safety compliance personnel created and submitted the project’s Health and Safety Plan (HASP). Working closely with the Resident Engineer, ensured plan was appropriately tailored to project factors, being especially cognizant of the railroad proximity intrinsic to this work. Coordination with the Resident Engineer will continue through the project’s duration to ensure compliance to the HASP and all safety-related requirements, including staff and company certifications and licenses.