HOUSTON –– The Texas state legislature has prepared a bill that would prevent the construction of high-speed rail service between Houston and Dallas from interfering with or altering any existing roads or highways, making routing of the proposed service much more difficult.
ATLANTA –– From the April 2025 issue of Railway Track & Structures, FROM THE DOME.
Quebec City, Quebec — Last week, the Canadian Government announced an additional federal contribution of more than $1.1 billion to help complete the Quebec City tramway and Montréal Metro Blue line extension projects. These investments in critical infrastructure are essential to help build the strongest economy in the G7.
FORT WORTH, Texas –– BNSF reported this week that much of its network, particularly the Southern Transcon which runs from Los Angeles to Chicago, has been affected by “excessive and extended winds” that often exceed 75 m.p.h.
CHICAGO –– The Chicago Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced this week that transit agencies in the region, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail service, and PACE bus service could all see drastic cuts in 2026 if something is not done to address the $770 million budget shortfall these agencies face.
PITTSBURGH –– Pittsburgh Regional Transit reported this week that it is facing a major financial crisis unless more state funding is forthcoming.
NEW YORK –– The Gateway Development Commission released a study this week that shows construction of the New Hudson Tunnel is supporting significant domestic jobs and economic output. The analysis shows that 94% of $2.2 billion in capital spending for the project to stay within the United States.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak President & CEO Stephen Gardner announced his resignation this week.
NEW YORK and ATLANTA ––The National Railway Historical Society has kicked off its third annual recognition of a railroad’s historic preservation efforts. NRHS is again partnering with Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures to present the Outstanding Railroad Historic Preservation Award in recognition of a working common-carrier railroad for its efforts to preserve railroad history in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
NEW YORK –– U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy penned a letter this week to New York’s M.T.A. requesting detailed information about crime on New York subways and said that federal funding for the agency would be withheld if it did not comply.
JACKSONVILLE –– Patriot Rail, an operator of short lines and regional railroads, along with transloading and other rail services, this week announced jointly with CPKC that a new transload terminal will be built on the CPKC network in Denton, Texas.
Seattle, Wash. –– Sound Transit has announced that it has selected a new CEO and is now negotiating the contract with this individual.
JACKSONVILLE –– While locomotive and train operation matters are not within the usual purview of RT&S coverage, this story is the latest example of management and labor disagreement when it comes to the implementation of technology, which is an issue most railroaders must address at some point.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The Association of American Railroads reported this week that the Federal Railroad Administration has released 2024 data that rail transportation is becoming even safer.
PITTSBURG, Kan. –– Watco this week announced that it is acquiring the Great Lakes Central Railroad (GLC).
CHICAGO — Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH) this week announced the appointment of Michael Naatz as its Chief Operating Officer.
SALEM, Ore. –– The Oregon Legislature is considering a 4% tax on the sale of new tires throughout the state to fund wildlife crossings, public transit, and rail.
ATLANTA –– As we reported last week, our Virtual Conference focused on Crossties & Fasteners will be held on Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
ATLANTA –– The first RT&S Virtual Conference of 2025 will focus on crossties and fasteners. We’ll have two presenters, each subject matter experts.
MILES CITY, Mont. –– BNSF and the Custer County Fire Chief reported the derailment of a loaded coal train west of Miles City at about 11:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.