SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
1 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 1 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
Classifications:
Supervisors, ROW Technicians
Other Departments:
Issued By:
Safety and Security Officer
Safety & Security Officer
Date
Assistant General Manager
Date
Maintenance Manager
Date
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to maintain a safe environment and efficient
transit system for customers, employees, and contractors when work is being
performed on the Sun Link Streetcar (SLS) Operational Right-of-Way (ROW).
The City of Tucson (COT) has been authorized to construct and operate a fixed
rail guide way system on COT, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT),
and University of Arizona (UofA) property. The SLS Operational ROW is the area
including all tracks (single and double) and the space extending four (4) feet
beyond the furthest rail, any portion of a station stop, and ten (10) feet from the
Overhead Catenary System (OCS). The SLS Operational ROW also includes the
substations and the poles and wires that make up the OCS.
In order to maintain a safe environment for anyone requiring track access, the
following procedures and requirements must be adhered to by the contractor or
city department requesting access to the SLS Operational ROW and/or has the
potential to impact the operation of Sun Link.
Rail Supervisory Personnel, Operators, Way Power & Signals employees,
Contractors, and Contractors personnel working in or on the SLS Operational
ROW shall have a valid Track Access Training Card (TATC) in their possession.
It is essential that contractors are trained to know and understand this procedure.
Contractor(s)/employees working on the ROW shall possess a TATC or
designate a qualified individual with a TATC within each work group who will be
responsible for the safety of the work group.
SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
2 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 2 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
For the purpose of this document the following terms apply: City of Tucson is
referred to as "COT". Other parties or contractors are referred to as "Contractor.''
The designated contact person for SLS is the Rail Supervisor on duty.
With regard to specific track access duties, the SLS Safety & Security Officer
designates a Rail Supervisor to be the Track Access Coordinator”. The Track
Access Coordinator is responsible for:
Performing all Track Access Training.
Reviewing, approving, and coordinating all Track Access
Requests/Special Event Permit Requests.
Monitoring Contractor compliance to this procedure.
II. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A: Sun Link Track Access Request (2 pages)
EXHIBIT B: Sun Link Special Instructions (1 page)
EXHIBIT C: Sun Link Special Event Permit Request (1 page)
EXHIBIT D: Sun Link Alignment Map (1 page)
III. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Prior to any work within the SLS Operational ROW, the Contractor must
submit a Track Access Request to SLS at least seven (7) days prior to
scheduling work/access. A request may be submitted by fax, email, or in
person. Track Access Request requirements include: location and duration of
work, impact on streetcar service, real estate issues, insurance requirements,
existing contracts, Blue Stake requirements, and required contractual
agreements.
2. A copy of this procedure, including Track Access Request, can be obtained
from the SLS Operations and Maintenance Facility, by facsimile,
electronically, or U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Sun Link Operations E- Mail: trackaccess@tucsonaz.gov
290 E. 8
th
Street Phone: (520) 791-3333
Tucson, AZ 85705 Fax: (520) 882-3797
SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
3 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 3 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
3. It is the responsibility of the Contractor requesting to work on, under, across,
or over the SLS Operational ROW, as defined within this document, to
coordinate with SLS personnel.
4. Prior to being granted authority to work within the SLS Operational ROW, the
Contractor is required to:
a. Provide a completed "Sun Link Track Access Request" (Exhibit A) or a
“Sun Link Special Event Permit Request” (Exhibit C), including a work
plan, drawings as necessary, illustrating proposed work locations and
work details and/or all special event plans. Work plan and drawings will
describe the proposed work, equipment, crew size, vehicles to be
used, and location of work. The Contractor may be required to meet
with the Rail Supervisor (Track Access Coordinator) or designee in the
field to clarify the work plan and determine any additional
requirements.
b. Comply with applicable federal, state, local, and agency requirements.
c. Submit one (1) copy of the work plan to the SLS no later than seven
(7) calendar days prior to the requested work date. Seven (7) days are
required by SLS to develop an alternate operational plan for the
system to include coordination with Sun Tran for possible bus bridges,
rescheduling staff, establishing temporary stops, and notification to the
public.
5. When all requirements in Item 4 of the Contractors Responsibilities have
been submitted, reviewed, and approved, the Contractor will receive an
approved Sun Link Track Access Permit/Special Event Permit which must be
in the Contractor’s possession prior to commencing work. This document
must be retained on site for the duration of the work.
6. A Track Access Permit/Special Event Permit from SLS does not replace the
need to acquire any permit required by COT, to include a Temporary Traffic
Control permit issued by COT Traffic Engineering. The Contractor must
contact Traffic Engineering for a Temporary Traffic Control Permit for work
that impacts traffic, as required by COT.
7. SLS does not provide temporary traffic control. If required by SLS Operations,
the Contractor is responsible for providing temporary traffic control. When
SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
4 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 4 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
working in the Warren Underpass, a flagger with two-way communication is
required in each direction. Requirements for flaggers shall be based on the
impact the proposed work has on service quality and schedules. The
Contractor is responsible for satisfying all safety requirements including, but
not limited to: field supervision, communication device(s), certifications,
reflective safety vests, hard hats, safety glasses, security, etc.
8. SLS will provide track access training at no charge to Contractors with a
required two (2) weeks advance notice. Training is subject to the availability
of SLS Operations personnel to conduct the training.
9. The Contractor will be responsible to reimburse SLS for all labor, equipment,
vehicles, materials, power downs, and overhead expenses incurred as a
result of supporting its work. Typical expenses include, but are not limited to,
engineering, administrative support, field meetings/reviews, and other
assistance provided or required by SLS.
10. Contractor will stop work in progress and immediately notify SLS if work in
progress deviates in any way from the written plans submitted and approved
by SLS.
11. The Contractor's work may be stopped immediately by SLS management,
with or without notice, at any time. Typical conditions under which this could
occur include, but are not limited to:
a. Safety violation or issues.
b. Scheduling violation or issues.
c. Deviations from approved Track Access Permit.
d. Temporary traffic control not available.
e. Any time SLS management deems necessary.
12. Work performed by Contractor during operational hours shall not cause
interference with the constant, continuous, and uninterrupted use of the
Streetcar system, or with other contractors performing work along the SLS
Operational ROW.
13. Under no circumstances will a contractor access tracks with vehicles,
equipment, or machinery without permission of the Rail Supervisor.
SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
5 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 5 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
14. Excavations within five (5) feet of either side of buried signals or power and
communication cables will require SLS personnel present at the site.
15. Cables crossing the track(s) must comply with both National Electric Safety
Code (NESC) clearances and pertinent SLS requirements.
16. Contractors must contact the Operations Control Center (OCC) at (520) 791-
3333 (select option 3) thirty (30) minutes prior to entering the ROW, when
work begins, and when exiting the ROW.
17. Contractor shall not foul tracks without prior authorization. "Fouling" is defined
as workers, equipment, or materials within the defined SLS Operational
ROW. Flagger(s) are required when tracks are fouled during revenue
service..
18. In the event that the Contractor is authorized by SLS to perform work on the
SLS Operational ROW that moves, disturbs, or modifies SLS's property in any
manner, the Contractor shall, at its own expense, restore the property to the
same condition before the work was performed. Such restoration must be to
the satisfaction of the SLS Assistant General Manager or designee.
19. The Contractor must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
regulations, and standards affecting its work.
20. As a limitation to any rights or licenses that may be granted to the Contractor,
SLS reserves the right to use and maintain its entire property. This includes
SLS’s right to construct, maintain, repair, renew, use, operate, change, or
modify: platforms, signal, communication, fiber optics, power, or other wire
lines, pipelines, and other facilities upon, along, or across any or all parts of
its property. All or any of the above mentioned use and maintenance may be
freely done at any time or times by SLS without liability to the Contractor or
any other party for compensation or damages.
21. In accordance with SLS’s “Track Access Request” requirements and in
exchange for the authorization to perform work on or near the SLS
Operational ROW, contractor agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, to indemnify, defend and hold harmless SLS and its officers,
officials, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, suits,
actions, judgments, fines, penalties, loss, damage, costs, or expense
(including but not limited to attorneys’ fees), whether direct or indirect, due to
SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
6 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 6 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
bodily or personal injury, death, sickness or property damage (including loss
of thereof) arising out Contractor’s activities.
In the event a third party makes a claim or files a lawsuit against SLS for injury or
death to persons, for damage to property, or for costs associated with loss of
business, caused in any way by the contractor’s activities, the contractor shall
defend such claims or suits, on behalf of SLS at contractor’s sole cost and
expense.
Contractor further agrees to repair any damage or disturbance to SLS property
caused by the contractor’s activities or caused, in whole or in part, by its
subcontractors, employees or agents.
IV. SUN LINK FACTS AND WARNINGS THAT CONTRACTORS MUST KNOW
The Rail Supervisor on duty has authority over all activity dealing with streetcar
movement along the SLS Operational ROW.
SLS must authorize any construction activity that encroaches on the SLS
Operational ROW.
Track Access Permits are approved weekly on Thursdays.
Sun Link streetcars are quiet and travel at speeds up to twenty-five (25) mph.
Always STOP, LISTEN, and LOOK in both directions before crossing streetcar
tracks.
Constantly be on the lookout for streetcar movements when occupying the SLS
Operational ROW, even when flagger(s) are present.
Electrified high voltage cables are located above and below the tracks.
The overhead contact wire is NOT electrically insulated.
Non-insulated overhead contact wire carries a minimum of 750 VOLTS DC.
Electrified high voltage cables are buried throughout the SLS Operational ROW.
Buried cables may or may not be encased in conduit or concrete.
Buried cables may carry a variety of lethal voltages: 240VAC, 120VAC, 108VAC
and 750VDC.
Buried cable is located at varying depths and distances from the tracks.
SUN LINK STREETCAR
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title:
Track Access Request/Special Event Permit Request
SOP #:
101.13
Date Issued:
09/18/2019
Supersedes:
02/09/2017
Page:
7 of 12
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 7 of 12 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
Buried cable is located under tracks and behind or around station stop platforms
and electrical houses (substations, relay houses, communications rooms, etc.).
Sun Link streetcars require extended stopping distance.
Always keep clear of switch machines. Switches operate automatically and may
cause serious/permanent injury.
Sun Link streetcars are scheduled to operate with 10 minutes separation. They
may be as close as a few seconds apart (streetcars moving in opposite direction
on the other track).
Sun Link streetcars can operate on any track in any direction at any time.
Peak ridership periods are between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. weekdays.
Sun Link streetcars typically do not operate from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
weekdays.
Normal streetcar direction is east on the eastbound track and west on the
westbound track.
Contractor/work crew personnel must wear OSHA required personal protective
equipment.
Work performed at night shall have appropriate lighting to provide good visibility.
EXHIBIT A
TRACK ACCESS PERMIT REQUEST
Sun Link OPERATIONS
Phone: (520) 791-3333 | Fax: (520) 882-3797 | Email: trackaccess@tucsonaz.gov
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 1 of 2 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
IMPORTANT: BEFORE WORK STARTS you must notify Sun Link Operations Control
Center (OCC) 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO ENTERING THE RIGHT OF WAY AND 30
MINUTES PRIOR TO EXITING THE RIGHT OF WAY at (520) 791-3333 select option 3.
CONTRACTOR: DATE:
ON-SITE REPRESENTATIVE/CONTACT:
TITLE: ROW CARD #:
PHONE OFFICE #: CELL #:
EMAIL:
Description of work to be performed on Sun Link Right-of-Way:
Location of where work will be performed:
Equipment to be used:
Do you need to have the power de-energized (i.e. power down)? Yes No
If Yes:
Power can only be de-energized Sunday through Wednesday nights.
Power can only be de-energized from 9:00 PM Sunday nights and 11:00 PM Monday through
Wednesday nights.
Power is then re-energized at 6:00 AM the following morning.
Select Nights for Power Down Request: Sundays (9pm to Mondays 6am)
Mondays (11pm to Tuesdays 6am)
Tuesdays (11pm to Wednesdays 6am)
Wednesdays (11pm to Thursdays 6am)
Start Date: Start Time:
Finish Date: Finish Time:
Clear Form
EXHIBIT A
TRACK ACCESS PERMIT REQUEST
Sun Link OPERATIONS
Phone: (520) 791-3333 | Fax: (520) 882-3797 | Email: trackaccess@tucsonaz.gov
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 2 of 2 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
Special Operation Conditions:
1. Requests must be submitted no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the start
date.
2. Approved and signed requests are valid for a maximum of seven (7) calendar days.
3. All personnel are required to wear OSHA required personal protective equipment
while on or near the Sun Link Operational Right-of-Way.
4. Sun Link Rail Supervisor must be notified, authorize the permit, and assign a work
number prior to occupying the alignment and/or starting any work.
CAUTION: The Overhead Catenary System (OCS) must be considered ENERGIZED
(HOT) at all times.
Removal of electrical power must be confirmed in the field with the designated personnel.
EXHIBIT B
PERMIT REQUEST - SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Sun Link OPERATIONS
Phone: (520) 791-3333 | Fax: (520) 882-3797 | Email: trackaccess@tucsonaz.gov
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 1 of 1 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
THIS SECTION WILL BE COMPLETED BY SUN LINK RAIL SUPERVISOR OR
DESIGNEE IN THE FIELD.
Permit Number: ROW Card #:
Required: Special Instructions Yes No Explain
Streetcar Order Yes No Explain
Wayside Signs Yes No Explain
Flagger Yes No Explain
Power Removal Yes No Explain
Sun Link Employee Yes No Explain
Approved By: Track Access Coordinator
Date Issued:
Clear Form
EXHIBIT C
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT REQUEST
Sun Link OPERATIONS
Phone: (520) 791-3333 | Fax: (520) 882-3797 | Email: trackaccess@tucsonaz.gov
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 1 of 1 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918
IMPORTANT: 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO ACTIVATING YOUR SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT you
must notify Sun Link Operations Control Center (OCC) at (520) 791-3333 select option 3.
CONTRACTOR: DATE:
ON-SITE REPRESENTATIVE/CONTACT:
TITLE: ROW CARD #:
PHONE - OFFICE: CELL:
EMAIL:
Event Location and Details of the event:
Do you need to have the power de-energized (i.e. power down)? Yes No
Start Date: Start Time:
Finish Date: Finish Time:
Special Operation Conditions:
1. Requests must be submitted no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the start
date.
2. Approved and signed requests are valid for a maximum of seven (7) calendar days.
3. NO Banners or Signs are permitted on Overhead Catenary Poles (OCS).
4. Sun Link Rail Supervisor must be notified and authorize the permit prior to activation of
the permit.
CAUTION: The Overhead Catenary System (OCS) must be considered ENERGIZED (HOT)
at all times.
Removal of electrical power must be confirmed in the field with the designated personnel.
Clear Form
EXHIBIT D
SUN LINK ALIGNMENT MAP
Sun Link RATP Dev Page 1 of 1 SOP-10113 Rev05 20190918