Amtrak Completes Upgrades at Durham Station
WASHINGTON –– Amtrak announced this week that the renovations at the Durham, N.C. Station are now complete.
Author: David C. Lester
MTA Announces Next Round of Subway Stations Re-NEW-vation Upgrades in 2024
NEW YORK ––The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) this week announced that New York City Transit (NYCT) will complete upgrades, repairs, and deep cleanings at 13 additional subway stations in the second quarter of 2024 across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
MBTA Continues Track Improvement Program
BOSTON ––The Track Improvement Program is a major track repair and replacement initiative to eliminate 191 speed restrictions, as of November 2023, and bring all tracks into a five-year state of good repair by the end of 2024.
Committee Passes Bill to Establish Passenger Rail for Colorado
DENVER –– The Denver House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee this week passed legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state. SB24-184 passed by a vote of 8-3.
PUCO Approves Rail Crossing Upgrades in Columbiana and Lucas Counties
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved safety upgrades at five rail crossings in Columbiana and Lucas counties.
FBI Opens Criminal Probe Into Francis Scott Key Bridge Accident
WASHINGTON –– The Washington Post reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun a criminal probe into the Francis Scott Key Bridge strike by a container ship.
Track Worker on Union Pacific Killed While Making Repairs
MCNEIL, Ark. –– Television station KSLA in Shreveport, La. reported that a Union Pacific track worker was killed after being struck by machinery.
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Commuter Rail Industry Challenges and Solutions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) announced that the Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine the challenges facing the commuter rail industry.
Just For Fun: Union Pacific Announces 4014 Big Boy Westward Bound Tour
OMAHA –– The Union Pacific Railroad has announced the general schedule for its’ summer tour of Big Boy 4014.
CSX Donates $50,000 to Restoration Fund for Key Bridge in Baltimore
JACKSONVILLE: CSX announced this week that it is donating $50,000 to the restoration fund for the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Norfolk Southern Agrees in Principle to Settle East Palestine Derailment Class Action Lawsuit
ATLANTA –– Norfolk Southern Corporation announced Tuesday that it has reached a $600 million agreement in principle to resolve a consolidated class action lawsuit relating to the East Palestine derailment. If approved by the court, the agreement will resolve all class action claims within a 20-mile radius from the derailment and, for those residents who choose to participate, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius from the derailment.
SFMTA Train Traffic Control System Runs on Floppy Disks
SAN FRANCISCO –– The San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency’s train control system today uses a system that relies on 5 1/2-inch floppy disks –– the ones that are really floppy.
George Smerk, Noted Indiana University Transportation Professor, Has Died
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –– Railway Track & Structures recently learned that Indiana University Transportation professor Dr. George M. Smerk, Jr., died last year.
Crossties & Fasteners –– RT&S Virtual Conference Set for Thursday, April 11 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
ATLANTA –– Our first virtual conference of the year will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. We will focus on Crossties and Fasteners and will be joined by representatives from two Class I railroads and an independent consultant.
Ripple Effects of Baltimore Bridge Collapse on Rail Industry and Supply Chains
ATLANTA –– The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week is having a ripple effect on eastern railroads and supply chains.
FRA Issues Final Rule on Train Crew Size
WASHINGTON – Today, The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a final rule requiring two crew members on nearly all freight and passenger trains.
Engineering Excellence: RT&S 10 Under 40
ATLANTA – Railway Track & Structures, April 2024 Issue: RT&S recognizes 10 individuals under 40 years old for their contributions to rail engineering.
April 2024 issue of RT&S Now Online
ATLANTA –– The April issue of RT&S is now on line.
Norfolk Southern Appoints Industry Veteran John Orr as Chief Operating Officer
ATLANTA –– Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced Wednesday the appointment of John Orr as executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.
SANDAG Prepares for $78M, 3-Year Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project
DEL MAR, Calif. –– The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has announced a major project to stabilize the Del Mar Bluffs.