Jan. 22, 2024

Uponor PEX Melts Winter Worries at Connecticut Train Station

by Alex Gross

Photo by Brady Rider; CC BY-SA 4.0

Nestled beside the historic red brick depot in Berlin, Connecticut, lies a marvel: an active passenger depot. The station closed in early 2016 to make way for a new facility as part of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Project. But with winter's icy grip touching the area for many months out of the year, safety became a pressing concern. That's where an innovative PEX snow melt system from Uponor stepped in, ensuring smooth operations and worry-free journeys for passengers and staff alike. 

The NHHS Rail Project faced a formidable challenge: keeping the bustling station safe during harsh winters. Traditional snow removal methods, with their messy chemicals and potential hazards, wouldn't suffice. Enter the Uponor PEX snow melt system, a game-changer in winterized walkways. 

This ingenious system circulates a warm water/glycol mixture through oxygen-barrier Wirsbo hePEX™ tubing embedded beneath the platform. This invisible shield melts snow and ice effortlessly, creating a secure and comfortable environment for passengers.

The Uponor solution goes beyond preventing slips and falls. It eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, saving money on labor and materials while extending the platform’s lifespan. As Jim Alberts, Uponor manufacturer rep at Urell Inc., aptly states, “The station won’t have to worry about injuries, harmful chemicals, or messy cleanup.”

For Triad Construction, the project’s lead contractor, choosing Uponor was a no-brainer. Familiarity with Uponor PEX and the vast product range made the decision smooth sailing. Project Manager Mike Casey adds, "The installation was easy, and the support from Uponor was exceptional." 

The unique pre-cast platform design presented a hurdle in finding the right pipe size and material for the distribution manifolds along the length of the platforms. However, the 2" large-diameter piping and ProPEX® fittings, which are approved for direct burial in concrete, proved to be the perfect solution. As Casey emphasizes, “Uponor’s large-diameter piping was crucial, and the ProPEX fittings made installation a breeze.”

Triad Construction delivered a project completed on time and within budget, exceeding expectations. The Uponor system not only ensures safety but also reduces maintenance and creates a cleaner, more welcoming environment for travelers. Casey sums it up perfectly: “We're impressed with Uponor’s products and will definitely use them again.”

The Uponor PEX snow melt system is more than just a technical marvel; it's a testament to innovation and its ability to improve lives. By ensuring passenger safety and enhancing station operations, it has breathed new life into the historic Berlin train station, paving the way for a warmer, safer, and more enjoyable travel experience for all. 

Project Highlights: 

• Historic station dating back to 1900, renovated in 2016
• 6 platforms kept safe and snow-free
• Installed by Triad Construction
• Featuring Wirsbo hePEX™ tubing and Ecoflex® pre-insulated pipe