Author: jrood

CTA receives grant toward $1 billion Red Line makeover

The Chicago Transit Authority received a $646 million state capital investment grant to repair and rebuild the Red Line and improve the Purple Line. The Illinois Jobs Now! capital program investment will be combined with $255.5 million in federal funding and $44.1 million from the city for an overall commitment of $1 billion to rebuild sections of deteriorated tracks to eliminate slow zones, replace or repair aging stations, install new power systems to improve performance and upgrade a significant portion of the Purple Line. Construction starts in 2012 and will last three years.

St. Louis MetroLink to improve UMSL South Station

Metro Transit – St. Louis will officially begin a new light-rail improvement project on Monday, November 7, at the UMSL South MetroLink Station. The general contractor for the first phase of the project is R.V. Wagner, Inc. The cost of this part of the project is $1.2 million and is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Zurich names Dowdy head of North America Railroad insurance practice

Zurich, a property and casualty insurance provider globally and in North America, named Jim Dowdy to lead its railroad practice in addition to overseeing Zurich’s Specialty Lines Property business. The company also appointed Ron Mathewson and Gary Linde as casualty underwriters supporting the railroad business.

North Dakota rail projects seek federal funds

Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) met with BNSF CEO and president Matt Rose on Nov. 2, to discuss plans to rebuild a 20-mile span of track and two bridges near Churchs Ferry that serves Amtrak’s Empire Builder line across northern North Dakota. The line serves both passenger and freight service through Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Fargo, Grand Forks, Stanley and Williston. The track was closed several times this spring due to flooding and high water.

Rose earlier this year committed BNSF to funding one-third of the $100 million project and will also work with Amtrak to help finance another one-third. The state of North Dakota would need to provide the remaining third. Hoeven and the congressional delegation are working with state officials to help with the state’s share through a Department of Transportation infrastructure grant program.

Hoeven also spoke with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in support of the state’s application for $33 million in funding for the project through the federal competitive TIGER Grant Program. Hoeven told LaHood that the rail project more than meets the primary and secondary selection criteria for the program.

"The Devils Lake rail project shares costs, demonstrating real collaboration among partners and serves both passenger service for Amtrak and freight service for BNSF," Hoeven said. "It clearly enhances economic competitiveness for the entire region and has both statewide and national benefits."

Hoeven also spoke with LaHood in support of the state’s application for funding to advance the Williston Bypass Project, which will route traffic around the city to relieve traffic congestion due to heightened oil industry activity in the region.

 

President Obama pushes for transportation projects

President Obama urged Congress to pass the transportation piece of the American Jobs Act, which will make an immediate investment of $50 billion in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and a $10 billion investment to create a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank. Together, these initiatives will put hundreds of thousands of construction workers back on the job rebuilding roads, rails and runways.

The White House released a report to highlight the importance of rebuilding roads, bridges, railways and airports across the nation. The report states, "In order to meet the needs of a growing economy, there is an ongoing need for new investments to maintain, upgrade and expand the nation’s stock of transportation infrastructure."

The Administration also announced several common-sense steps it has taken to improve the process of reviewing and approving transportation projects, help cut red tape and leverage additional private sector funding in order to promote private sector growth and job creation. These steps include:

• Directing the U.S. Department of Transportation to award $527 million in competitive TIGER grants by the end of 2011, months ahead of schedule. The TIGER program puts American workers back on the job by helping to rebuild the nation’s roads and bridges and working on innovative projects like streetcar and light rail systems. This year, DOT received about 1,000 applications, including at least one from every state.

• Directing DOT to shorten the application process for the 2012 round of TIFIA funding, which will accelerate projects and put workers back on the job more quickly. TIFIA provides up to one-third of the financing needed for bridge, tunnel, toll, transit and other large-scale transportation projects. That means the annual funding level of $110 million in TIFIA funds can support projects totaling up to $3 billion in construction.

• Establishing a Transportation Rapid Response Team to expedite reviews of surface transportation projects. Co-chaired by the Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the team will identify and implement best practices to improve the transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of environmental review and permit decisions for transportation projects, protecting public health and putting Americans back to work.

UP played key role in FRA’s Changing At-Risk Behavior pilot program

Union Pacific’s San Antonio Service Unit played a key role in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Changing At-Risk Behavior pilot project that will be honored by the American Evaluation Association Nov. 4 in Anaheim, Calif. CAB is a safety intervention pilot project that incorporates peer-to-peer observation and feedback, safety leadership development and continuous process improvement.

The CAB evaluation team from the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center and the Federal Railroad Administration will be recognized with an Outstanding Evaluation Award for evaluating this comprehensive new initiative, which resulted in safety improvements for Union Pacific and influenced broader safety culture shift in the railroad industry.

"Safety is our top priority and we were proud to participate in and support this important railroad industry initiative," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific executive vice president, operations. "Collaboration among our own employees, that is, local management, union leadership and our craft employees, the FRA and the U.S. Department of Transportation was critical to the project’s success. The results of the evaluation are making a remarkable difference in the railroad industry."

Union Pacific debuted new safety initiatives across its San Antonio Service Unit, which spans 800 miles and includes more than 1,000 locomotive engineers and conductors. CAB evaluation results showed an 85 percent reduction in at-risk behaviors, a 72 percent drop in locomotive engineer decertification rates and a 69 percent drop in the rate of human factor-caused derailments as a result of the CAB project.

Similar projects have since been initiated by passenger and freight railroads across North America.

The AEA award is presented for successfully completing a single evaluation project capable of standing alone as an example of high-quality evaluation. AEA is a preeminent professional association for evaluators, comprising more than 7,000 members from every state and more than 60 foreign countries.

Preliminary engineering for Ottawa LRT project nears completion

Capital Transit Partners, a joint venture combining the talents of Morrison Hershfield Limited, STV Canada Consulting Inc., URS Canada Inc. and Jacobs Associates Canada Corporation, is currently completing the preliminary engineering phase for the $2.1 billion Ottawa Light Rail Transit project.

The project, which is the first stage in Ottawa’s planned 40 km (24 mile) light-rail network, will see the construction of a 12.5 km (7 mile) LRT system including 3 km (2 mile) of tunnel under the downtown and 13 stations, three of which will be in the tunnel portion.

Implementation of the new system will include converting portions of the existing Bus Rapid Transit to light rail (one of the first such undertakings in North America).

The preliminary engineering assignment, awarded to CTP in September 2010 and now nearing completion, required CTP in advancing the OLRT design to reduce capital and operating costs, improve operating characteristics, reduce future maintenance requirements, minimize construction related impacts and minimize impacts to adjacent properties. CTP also developed the Request for Qualifications and contributed to the related Request for Proposal documents for what will be a Design, Build, Finance and Maintain project.

During the assignment, the city of Ottawa made the decision to accelerate the overall project schedule by one year, moving the proposed opening date from the spring of 2019 to the spring of 2018. This decision to advance the overall schedule resulted in the CTP assignment being accelerated by six months to allow the construction of the system to begin in early 2013, approximately six months earlier than had been planned. CTP, due to its experience in planning, design and procurement of LRT projects, was able to meet this new deadline.

In addition to the city of Ottawa’s own financial contribution, the OLRT project is supported by both the federal and provincial governments who are providing up to $1.2 billion of the project costs. The city will require the winning proponent to finance up to $400 million of the construction cost. All three levels of government are clearly committed to working with the successful proponent in delivering an innovative, world-class transit solution.

Amtrak testing eTicketing program

Amtrak is starting a pilot test of its eTicketing system on the Amtrak Downeaster service, which operates daily between Boston and Portland, Maine.

The eTicketing program provides passengers increased flexibility when making or changing reservations and eliminates the need to obtain traditional paper tickets. Amtrak intends to rollout eTicketing to all its trains nationwide during 2012.

With eTicketing, passengers have the ability to print their reservations from the comfort of their home or office. A receipt will be e-mailed to the customer with the eTicket attached as a printable PDF document which can be printed any time prior to travel.

Passengers also will be able to use their Smartphone to present their eTicket to the conductor, by simply opening the eTicket PDF document from their email on their Smartphone and displaying the barcode for the conductor to scan.

If a customer misplaces their eTicket, they can re-print the document for presentation on-board. Passengers may also print their eTickets at Amtrak ticket offices and Quik-Trak kiosks.

Under the pilot test, eTickets will be issued to passengers who have one way or round trip reservations. Passengers with more complicated bookings will continue to receive traditional paper value tickets, including when they:

• Are traveling beyond the Downeaster route;
• Have purchased a Multi-Ride Ticket; (e.g., monthly or ten-trip ticket)
• Have a group ticket;
• Are paying travel on the train; or
• Have purchased travel at a travel agency or corporate travel office

Amtrak Downeaster eTicketing customers will now be able to make changes to their reservations online until the start of their journey. During 2012, Amtrak will look to provide greater flexibility to its online customers with respect to modifying reservations once a trip is underway.

Amtrak operates the Downeaster under contract with the state of Maine’s Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

"We thank our partners at NNEPRA for their continued support and cooperation in helping bring this exciting initiative to our passengers," said Emmett Fremaux, Amtrak vice president for marketing and product development. "The eTicketing process provides a more convenient and flexible way for customers to book their travel on this increasingly popular line."

 

Invensys Rail lands $268 million rail signaling contract

In Turkey, Invensys Rail has scored a landmark success in winning the €195 million (US$268 million) signaling contract for Istanbul’s ambitious 77km (48 mile) Bosphorus crossing rail link, the initial phase, which is due to open in 2013, the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

In a joint venture with Spanish civil engineering company OHL, Invensys Rail will design and supply a new signaling and Automatic Train Protection system for the route, which makes use of the company’s SIRIUS Communications Based Train Control and FUTUR ERTMS technologies. The project will see a 1.2km (.75 mile)-immersed tunnel built along with 12km (7.5 mile) of other new tracks and the upgrading of a further 63km (42 mile).

When completed, it will link the European and Asian sides of Istanbul and connect with the country’s rapidly expanding high-speed rail network, of which Invensys Rail is signaling the Ankara – Konya route.

 

Hondo Railway BNSF

The Hondo Railway (HRR) was named Shortline of the Year at BNSF Railway’s 15th annual Shortline Conference held in Irving, Texas, on October 13, 2011.

Amtrak integrates NEC development in new business line

Planning and development efforts for Amtrak’s existing Northeast Corridor and its proposed new, dedicated 220-mph next-generation high-speed rail system are being fully integrated within a new Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Investment Development business line. This integrated business line will bring together all Amtrak funding, policy and planning decisions regarding NEC improvements and ensure that the continued development of high-speed rail is a critical element of Amtrak’s plans for the Corridor.

JAXPORT seeks TIGER funds to build intermodal facility

Florida’s Jacksonville Port Authority, with assistance from the city of Jacksonville and the State of Florida, is seeking $25 million from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary Grant of the U.S. Department of Transportation for construction of a $45 million Intermodal Container Transfer Facility at the Dames Point Marine Terminal. The balance of the funding, $20 million, would come from the state.

The proposed ICTF would transport containerized cargo efficiently from ships to rail cars, increasing the port’s ability to move cargo quickly, reducing truck miles and decreasing exhaust emissions and highway maintenance costs. The project would also create employment and attract new business to the region.

"Adding an ICTF to JAXPORT’s already superior highway and rail connections will offer even more cost-effective solutions for shippers in an industry demanding efficiency and speed," said JAXPORT CEO Paul Anderson. "By taking this opportunity to attract federal investment in North Florida, we can continue to expand our competitiveness and our economic significance to the region, state and nation."

 

Atlanta MMPT agreement signed

U.S. Representative John Lewis and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joined the State Transportation Board, other officials and private-sector partners in commemorating the signing of an agreement for the initial development of a Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal and commercial center in downtown Atlanta.

To be located in the long under-utilized "Gulch" area near Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center, the MMPT will be developed for the Georgia Department of Transportation by Forest City/Cousins/Integral, a consortium of private firms.
The Atlanta MMPT will be the hub for existing and proposed transportation networks serving Metro Atlanta and beyond, including MARTA rail and bus, regional express busses and the state’s passenger rail network. It may also accommodate future transportation, including high-speed rail, light rail and streetcar services.

In addition, it will serve as a catalyst for one of the largest Transit-Oriented Development projects in the U.S., with expected commercial, recreational and residential mixed-use development. Georgia Department of Transporation’s $12.2 million, two-year contract with the consortium will provide a conceptual design of the MMPT and potential funding options.

Lewis, a long-time supporter of the MMPT concept, said "it is a great day for Atlanta and the whole region. We have reached an important milestone in this development, and I look forward to returning in a few years for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the MMPT."

"The Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal will help transform how we move around our city and region," said Reed. "The MMPT will serve as the focal point for many existing and future transit networks. It is an important part of the overall effort to improve and expand public transportation in metropolitan Atlanta and it will help our region maintain its competitive edge."

 

TxDOT submits four applications for TIGER grants

The Texas Department of Transportation submitted four applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation, requesting more than $93.8 million in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery discretionary grant money to advance rail and highway projects across the state.

TxDOT is requesting grant money for three rail projects: $9.6 million to rehab the South Orient Railroad line from Sulphur Junction to Fort Stockton, $10 million to build additional track and make other rail improvements at the Port of Corpus Christi and $21.3 million for the multi-state Sunbelt Rail Rehabilitation project to upgrade the Dallas, Garland and Northeastern Railroad, Kiamichi Railroad and Texas Northeastern Railroad lines in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The department is a co-applicant with Arkansas and Oklahoma on the SunbTxDOT submits four applications for TIGER grants

The Texas Department of Transportation submitted four applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation, requesting more than $93.8 million in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery discretionary grant money to advance rail and highway projects across the state.
TxDOT is requesting grant money for three rail projects: $9.6 million to rehab the South Orient Railroad line from Sulphur Junction to Fort Stockton, $10 million to build additional track and make other rail improvements at the Port of Corpus Christi and $21.3 million for the multi-state Sunbelt Rail Rehabilitation project to upgrade the Dallas, Garland and Northeastern Railroad, Kiamichi Railroad and Texas Northeastern Railroad lines in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The department is a co-applicant with Arkansas and Oklahoma on the Sunbelt Rail Rehabilitation project.

Applications were selected based on the TIGER program criteria and how well they would compete nationally for a limited amount of funding, said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.
"The agency is committed to providing a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, one with a sophisticated rail component designed to improve mobility, reduce congestion and drive economic development across the state," Wilson added.
elt Rail Rehabilitation project.

Applications were selected based on the TIGER program criteria and how well they would compete nationally for a limited amount of funding, said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.
"The agency is committed to providing a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, one with a sophisticated rail component designed to improve mobility, reduce congestion and drive economic development across the state," Wilson added.