Allen Jones has found out that no matter how sophisticated the world is, working for the railroad still requires the use of a sledgehammer and a switch broom, the Morning Sun of Blue Springs, Mo., reports. These two hand tools are still the most frequently used implements when doing track work. The sledgehammer, of course, is for driving steel, pushing rails wider and setting flags. The switch broom has a hoe-like end for removing rocks from between the rails at railroad switches. The broom end of this tool is used to sweep dirt, leaves and snow from between the rails.

Major U.S. freight railroads and their advocates have argued for years that government investment is needed in the country's rail system to take freight off congested highways and keep the economy moving, Reuters reports. But supporters say rail investments have been largely ignored by Congress, suggesting political support is lacking, despite warnings action must be taken sooner rather than later.

Construction of a new and improved Plauderville Station in the City of Garfield, N.J., will begin this fall, under a contract approved by the NJ TRANST Board of Directors that will make the station fully accessible to customers with disabilities and will provide more convenient access to the station from the parking area.