Author: jrood

Amtrak to begin track replacement in East River Tunnels

Amtrak is beginning the work on a multi-year project for the full replacement of track in all four of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road East River tunnels starting the weekend of October 1-2. The MTA urged Amtrak, which owns Penn Station, to perform this critical work to improve the reliability of train service.

In May, an Amtrak train derailed in one of the East River tunnels due to a broken rail. The track damage resulted in a major disruption of LIRR service for almost a week as Amtrak crews worked around-the-clock to make repairs. Following this incident, inspections revealed significant water drainage issues inside the tunnels.

"I would like to thank Amtrak for their quick response and cooperation in taking on this critical work to improve the reliability of LIRR service for our customers," said LIRR President Helena Williams. "I would also like to recognize elected officials for urging Amtrak to make these necessary track and drainage improvements to the East River Tunnels."

"Amtrak looks forward to completing this vitally important infrastructure enhancement to the our East River Tunnel system," said Mike DeCataldo, Amtrak general superintendent, Northeast Division. "We thank our partners at Long Island Rail Road/MTA for their continued support to provide our passengers with a reliable and efficient mode of rail travel."

The work, to be performed in 55-hour weekend outages in one or two of the four tunnels each weekend, will begin at 10 p.m. on Fridays and continue through 5 a.m. on Mondays. There will also be double tunnel outages during weekday overnight periods for the duration of the project.

Over the course of the project work, which is expected to be completed by mid-year 2015, the total track structure in each tunnel will be replaced. New ties, continuous-welded running rail, ballast, insulated joints and impedance bonds will be installed for the length of each tunnel. Equally important, the drainage system throughout the tunnels will be re-established with newly re-designed drainage improvements.

This necessary and critical tunnel work by Amtrak is expected to impact the construction work being performed on the MTA’s East Side Access project. The impacts to the ESA schedule are under review and will be part of a re-baselining of the schedule.

TriMet begins work on Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project

Early construction work for Oregon’s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project begins the week of Sept. 26, along SW Lincoln Street between 1st and 4th avenues.

The 7.3-mile project is the region’s sixth MAX line to be built and extends from the terminus of the MAX Green and Yellow lines at Portland State University to South Waterfront, Southeast Portland, Milwaukie and Park Avenue in Clackamas County. The project includes 10 stations and the first bridge constructed over the Willamette River in more than 40 years. It will create up to 14,000 jobs and generate $573 million in personal earnings. Federal funds will pay for half of the $1.49 billion project; state and local partners are funding the balance. TriMet’s share is less than five percent of the project budget and will not be needed until 2013. The line is set to open in fall 2015.

Project partners include: Clackamas County, Metro, City of Milwaukie, Multnomah County, City of Oregon City, Oregon Department of Transportation, City of Portland, Portland Development Commission and TriMet.

MTA’s Port Jervis line to reopen by year-end with $50 million in repairs

Massive repairs on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Port Jervis Line, at an estimated cost of $50 million, will allow train service to resume by the end of the year, according to a damage assessment presented Sept. 26, at the MTA Metro-North Railroad committee meeting.

The full pre-storm train schedule will be restored when the second track between Harriman and Suffern is finished in fall 2012.

"We are committed to restoring the Port Jervis Line as quickly as possible. It is an important part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s regional network," said Metro-North Railroad President Howard Permut. "In the meantime, Metro-North has marshaled the resources of MTA Bus to provide alternative service during reconstruction and Metro-North forces are building access roads to the tracks to literally lay the groundwork for the outside contractor. NJ Transit, Leprechaun Lines and MTA Bus have all been very helpful and cooperative in this crisis," Permut said.

Metro-North will seek a contractor to rebuild the line, which was ravaged by floods during Tropical Storm Irene last month. An expedited bidding process is planned with a reconstruction contract to be awarded by October 15.

The first priority is to restore train service on one track for the four miles between Suffern and Sloatsburg, which was double tracked, and on the 10 miles between Sloatsburg and Harriman, which is a single track. This includes rebuilding the track bed sub-grade, replacing stone in the washout areas, compacting the loose stone and surfacing the right-of-way. Also critical is repair work on the bridges that carry tracks over streams and roads and rebuilding the slopes adjacent to the river.

The initial work will be performed jointly by a contractor working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and by Metro-North maintenance-of-way forces. The contract will be structured with financial incentives for early completion before the end of the year and penalties for delays in completion.

With the slopes shored up, reconstruction of the second track between Suffern and Sloatsburg, repair of the signal system and long-term bridge repairs can be undertaken. Some of this work will have to wait until spring because it can’t be done when temperatures are below freezing.

 

KCS launches first phase of new website

Kansas City Southern launched a new look and improved functionality for its website, www.kcsouthern.com.

"KCS enlisted a third party to survey its customers to learn what they like about doing business with KCS and how we could improve," said KCS Executive Vice President of sales and marketing Patrick Ottensmeyer. "We received some terrific feedback, including suggestions for improving the user experience on our website. So we engaged a website expert and developed an intensive plan. Today’s launch is the first of several phases designed to better meet our customers’ online needs."

In the first phase, new content and navigation more clearly communicate KCS’ services to both existing and potential customers. Fresh content also targets the website’s other primary users, investors and employees. In addition, new bold graphics and illustrative messaging further develop the KCS brand.

At this time, the online tools available in the password-protected, MyKCS section of the website have a new look, but functionality remains unchanged. These tools will be refined for greater usability and new tools will be added in upcoming phases of website development. The first of these changes is expected to be rolled out next year.

KCS President and CEO Dave Starling said, "The new website better supports the team of sales, customer solutions and investor relations professionals, who are already sharing these messages and the KCS brand with our stakeholders."

UP to spend $15.5 million to improve Iowa, Missouri lines

Union Pacific will invest nearly $10.5 million in the rail line that runs from Des Moines to Iowa Falls, Iowa. Various projects over the almost 65 miles of the line include removing and installing 52,500 ties, replacing more than two miles of rail in various curves, as well as renewing the surfaces at 91 crossings. Crews will also spread nearly 22,000 tons of ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and weld together the sections of rail, providing a smoother ride for trains.

Most of these projects began in August and are scheduled to be completed by early December.

UP will also invest nearly $5 million in the rail line that runs from Pleasant Hill to Independence, Mo. Various projects over the almost 35-miles of the line include removing and installing 21,800 ties, replacing more than a mile of rail in various curves, as well as renewing the surfaces at 44 crossings. Crews will also spread 16,000 tons of ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed.

Most of these projects began September 16 and are scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

DEIR for BNSF proposed Southern California International Gateway released

BNSF Railway’s proposed Southern California International Gateway (SCIG) reached an important milestone on Friday with the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for public review and comment. The $500-million SCIG project is designed to be the greenest intermodal facility in the United States. SCIG will allow containers to be loaded onto rail just four miles from the docks, rather than traveling 24 miles on local roads and the 710 freeway to downtown rail facilities. SCIG will allow 1.5 million more containers to move by more efficient and environmentally preferred rail through the Alameda Corridor each year, greatly reducing truck traffic congestion in Southern California.

New York

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority completed tunneling for the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway when a tunnel boring machine (TBM) reached the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station, breaking into the existing tunnel. The completion of tunneling marks a major milestone in the $4.45 billion project that will provide service from 96th Street to 63rd Street as an extension of the Q train.

Wisconsin grants give $17 million to freight rail improvements

Wisconsin doled out 10 state awards totaling $17,452,415, which will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of an overall effort to support job growth and Wisconsin’s economy.

"Wisconsin’s freight rail system plays a major role in our state’s economy, moving raw materials to industry and finished products to markets," Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said. "These awards will help support economic growth in communities across our state and help ensure Wisconsin remains open for business."

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is administering six loans totaling $4,605,824 through the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program. A revolving loan program, FRIIP awards are provided to private industries, railroads and local governments to improve rail infrastructure, highway-grade crossings and to construct new rail-served facilities, with the overall goal to boost economic development and jobs. As FRIIP loans are repaid, the dollars are used to help fund new projects.

Four grants totaling $12,846,591 are being distributed through the state’s Freight Railroad Preservation Program. FRPP grants cover up to 80 percent of the cost of projects designed to preserve rail service or rehabilitate fixed facilities on publicly owned rail lines.

Freight Railroad Preservation Program grants 
(Some include FRIIP loans)

Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad Co.
• Marinette Marine spur track rehabilitation: The Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad will receive an $845,940 FRPP grant to cover 80 percent of the costs of rehabilitating 1.1 miles of track in the city of Marinette in Marinette County, Wis. WisDOT will provide another $105,743 in the form of a FRIIP loan to cover one-half of the 20 percent local match. The remaining 10 percent, or $105,743, will be provided by the E&LS. Total project cost will be $1,057,425. Repairs will be made to ties, ballast, surfacing, turnout and roadway crossing elements on the spur track.

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co.
• Bridge study for Federal Railroad Administration required records: Wisconsin & Southern Railroad will receive an FRPP grant of $1,063,200 to cover 80 percent of the cost of completing a comprehensive bridge rating and evaluation study of bridges located on the rail system owned by WisDOT and the various rail transit commissions and operated by WSOR under contract. WSOR will also receive an FRIIP loan of $132,900 or 10 percent of the total cost. The remaining $132,900 or 10 percent will be provided by WSOR. New FRA rules require bridge studies to be done by rail line owners, which in this case are WisDOT and the rail transit commissions. The WisDOT/rail transit commission owned system has approximately 277 bridge structures.

• Bridge rehabilitation and replacement: The WSOR will receive a total of $4 million in FRPP grant funds to cover 80 percent of costs for emergency rehabilitation and reconstruction work on system bridges. A FRIIP loan of $500,000 will also be provided to cover 10 percent of the project costs. The remaining 10 percent, $500,000, will be provided by the WSOR. Total project cost will be $5,000,000. These projects have been identified by engineering studies as emergency repairs that are vital to keep state-owned railroad corridors operational. The WSOR has identified over $33 million of bridge work that is needed over the next several years. The $5 million will complete work on 10 bridges located in Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Milwaukee, Rock, Sauk and Winnebago counties.

Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co.
• Saukville to Elkhart Lake Phase 1 track rehabilitation: The WSOR will receive $6,937,451 in FRPP grant funds to pay for 80 percent of the total $8,671,814 costs of Phase 1 rehabilitation work on the Saukville to Eklhart Lake rail line in Washington and Sheboygan counties, Wis. WSOR will also receive a FRIIP loan of $867,181 to cover 10 percent of the cost of the work. The remaining 10 percent of $867,181 will be provided by WSOR and the East Wisconsin Counties Railroad Consortium. The Phase 1 work includes renewal of 15 grade crossings, reconstruction of 16 rail turnouts, adding 53,000 tons of new ballast and replacement of 50,000 crossties. Phase 2 work, which will likely include replacement of worn rail with new 115 lbs. welded rail, will occur at a later date.

Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) loans

Zenda Grain LLC
• A $1.5 million FRIIP loan to Zenda Grain will construct two additional grain storage bins including one 90-foot diameter bin for additional corn storage and one 78-foot diameter bin for soybean storage. The total estimated cost of the two bins is $2 million. Zenda Grain is applying for the program limit for non-rail improvements of $1.5 million. The remaining cost will be assumed by Zenda Grain. The project is located at the company’s Zenda, Wisconsin property. The Zenda Grain LLC facility is located on a rail line served by the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Company on right of way owned by the state of Wisconsin.

United Cooperative
• United Cooperative will use the $1.5 million FRIIP loan to construct a new grain elevator including grain storage and rail loading facilities near Sauk City, Wis., on the state-owned segment of railroad right-of-way between Mazomanie and Sauk City. United Coop will be constructing two, 48-foot diameter grain storage bins, a grain elevator leg and associated conveying equipment to load rail cars on the mainline track. The facility will serve as a rail loading facility for the cooperative’s Sauk City facility and will greatly improve market access for farmers in southern Sauk and northern Dane counties.

LACMTA Board adopts FEIS for Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor light-rail project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors certified the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Final Environmental Impact Report for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project. The 8.5-mile light rail project now advances into the construction phase, which could begin next year with completion expected by 2018.

"Today’s approval of the final EIR for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project brings us one step closer to delivering another Measure R light-rail project that will bring thousands of badly needed jobs to L.A. County," said Los Angeles Mayor and MTA Board Chairman Antonio Villaraigosa. "Once completed, the new light-rail line will connect residents of South L.A. to Downtown and provide all Angelenos a new transit option to LAX."

LACMTA is proceeding with preliminary engineering and refining costs. Later this fall, the LACMTA Board will consider the life-of-project budget. The total funding available for the project is $1.715 billion.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation estimates that the rail line will generate approximately 15,100 jobs directly related to the project.

The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project light rail line will connect the Expo Line to the Metro Green Line with six stations:

• Exposition/Crenshaw
• Crenshaw/Martin Luther King Jr.
• Crenshaw/Slauson
• Florence/West
• Florence/La Brea
• Aviation/Century

The project connects downtown Los Angeles and the Westside with the South Bay and the LAX area. It provides critical linkages for the region’s residents, employees and national and international visitors.

The alignment is a combination of at-grade, below-grade and above-ground sections.
For information on the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Light Rail Project and to review the environmental documents, visit Metro’s website at www.metro.net/crenshaw.

APTA executive committee and Board elected, DART’s Thomas to chair

The American Public Transportation Association announced the election of its 2011-2012 Executive Committee and Board of Directors as voted by APTA members through the association’s first virtual annual business meeting and election of officers.

The Executive Committee will be led by Chair Gary C. Thomas, president/executive director of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit in Dallas, Texas. Thomas succeeds Michael J. Scanlon, general manager/CEO of San Mateo County Transit district and executive director of Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board in San Carlos, Calif.

Flora Castillo, a New Jersey Transit Corporation board member, was elected vice chair and Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., principal of the Ford Management Group, remains secretary-treasurer for another year.

The board, which is comprised of 106 members, will convene October 1 in New Orleans, prior to the beginning of the 2011 APTA Annual Meeting and EXPO.

A list of the newly elected board members can be found at: http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/2011/Pages/112209_NewBOD.aspx

 

RailComm to provide remote control Blue Flag Indicator System to BNSF

BNSF’s Belen Yard in New Mexico will be adding RailComm’s Blue Flag Indicator System to their facility. The RailComm BFI System will allow a user to apply blue flag protection to the fueling tracks through the use of strategically located field control panels. These panels will be outfitted with keypad security that will only allow verified personnel to operate the system. The BFIs will be positioned in pairs at different locations along the track.

RailComm’s 2.4 GHz RADiANT spread spectrum data radios will be utilized to provide reliable and secure communication between the field and control locations.

New England HSR and intercity passenger rail projects receive $83 million in federal funds

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $82.7 million to improve high-speed and intercity passenger rail in Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. The dollars will provide needed upgrades to the Northeast Corridor, Connecticut’s New Haven – Springfield line, Maine’s Downeaster route and the Vermonter service.

"These are the kinds of investments that will improve reliability and on-time performance and attract more passengers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are creating jobs throughout New England, building our rails with American-made materials and growing the New England economy."

A highlight of the rail dollars includes:

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$26.2 million for the design and construction of an electrified third track parallel to the Northeast Corridor’s mainline and a new platform for the station in Kingston, RI. The third track will permit faster trains to overtake slower trains, reducing congestion and improving on-time performance on the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and commuter trains. Throughout the Northeast Corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston, $1.75 billion is being invested to improve service.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$3 million for preliminary engineering and environmental reviews for American with Disabilities Act compliant platforms at the Providence station on the Northeast Corridor. The project also includes improved parking and pedestrian access, station repairs, potential reconfiguration of transit circulation and drop-off facilities and future tunnel improvements.

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA)
$20.8 million to alleviate congestion and reduce delays on segments of Amtrak’s Downeaster service. The project will provide critically needed double track, as well as signal and highway-rail grade crossing improvements between Wilmington and Ballardville, Mass. Aging rail will be replaced with new, continuously-welded rail between Lawrence and Bradford, Mass. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operates commuter trains on this line and on-time performance for the Downeaster has deteriorated due to bottlenecks within this area. Currently, the Downeaster operates from Boston to Portland, Maine and is expanding to Brunswick, Maine thanks to previous, federal grants totaling $38 million.

Connecticut Department of Transportation
$30 million for six miles of new double-tracks from Hartford to Windsor, Conn., which will connect with an existing siding to create a nine-mile double-tracks segment on Amtrak’s New Haven-Springfield line. In addition, a new 8,500-foot siding will be added through the Hartford Yard to better clear freight trains off Amtrak’s mainline. Together, this added capacity will substantially relieve existing congestion in the Hartford area and will support future increases in rail service. The project also includes repairs and maintenance to bridges, signal improvements and grade-crossing improvements. Connecticut previously received $40 million for double track work between New Haven and Hartford to reduce delays and improve travel time.

Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)
$2.7 million for a 16-mile extension of improved signal and train control technology to enhance the safety and operation of the Amtrak Vermonter service. Additionally, upgrades to the dispatch communication system will be made to enhance its reliability. VTrans previously received $50 million for improvements to the 190 miles of track between St. Albans and Vernon, Vt., servicing the Vermonter. The collective improvements will result in increased speeds, reduced travel time and greater reliability.

 

Washington state’ receives $31.1 million for rail, port improvements

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $31.1 million for the state of Washington to improve intercity passenger and freight rail service on the Cascades line.

"The investments we’re making in the Cascades line will improve reliability and service for passengers while putting people to work on crucial rail projects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "It’s a win-win because these investments will also help create jobs and grow the economy by building and maintaining railways with American-made materials."

A highlight of the rail dollars includes:

Pacific Northwest Corridor
$16.1 million for design, environmental review and construction work to stabilize and improve track structure along the rail line between Blaine, Wash., and the Columbia River Bridge in Vancouver, Wash. The upgrades along this route will increase service reliability by reducing the number of closures and delays due to inclement weather.

Vancouver-Port Access Rail Improvements
$15 million for construction of a new rail access route to the Port of Vancouver, including grade separation at an existing rail crossing which has acted as a significant choke point for rail traffic. This enhancement will substantially minimize delays affecting freight trains and Amtrak’s Cascades service. The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Port of Vancouver are contributing a combined total of $22 million to this project. Construction is expected to begin in July 2012.

 

NECR returns to normal post hurricane

Nearly four weeks ago, Hurricane Irene swept across RailAmerica-operated New England Central Railraod, which stretches from the Canadian border near St. Albans, Vt., to New London, Conn. Railroad crews discovered the extent of damage on August 30 and quickly restored service to NECR’s north end between Burlington and Swanton, Vt., and its south end between White River Junction, Vt., and New London, Conn.

Things were different on the NECR’s mid-section, roughly White River Junction to Essex Junction, Vt., where Irene downed trees, washed out track and knocked down bridges. Damage was especially severe across six miles of rail line near Roxbury, Vt. Rail service through the Roxbury area was restored on September 19. The NECR arranged for some shipments to move via detour trains and alternative routes while the Roxbury section of the railroad was out of service.

It took a team of close to 90 people and 15,000 tons of ballast to restore rail service on the NECR.

"We appreciate our colleagues’ hard work, our customers’ patience and the cooperation of our connecting carriers," said John Giles, RailAmerica president and chief executive officer. "I am especially proud of the fact that our professional railroaders handled this incredible job both quickly and safely."

The NECR worked closely with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to coordinate the work, gain access to otherwise closed state roads and perform emergency repairs. Several railroads in the region, including Canadian National, Pan Am Southern, Amtrak and Providence & Worcester provided much needed equipment to transport large volumes of rock and fill. Local Vermont vendors worked tirelessly to provide support in the form of crushing stone for ballast, trucking and railroad contract services. "We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts and team spirit," said Charles Hunter, RailAmerica AVP of Government Affairs.

UP invests more than $10 million in Colorado track improvements

Union Pacific will improve the transportation infrastructure in Colorado by investing more than $10 million in the rail line that runs from near the east portal of Moffat Tunnel to near Kremmling, Colo. Various projects over almost 70-miles of the line include removing and installing more than 55,600 crossties, as well as renewing the surfaces at 51 road crossings. Crews will also spread nearly 33,600 tons of ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and replace more than two miles of rail in various curves.

The curve rail and crossing surface projects began at the end of June and the tie project began Sept. 15. All projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

Chicago Transit Authority launches station renewal initiative:

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool announced a new CTA station renewal initiative designed to provide a facelift to 100 CTA rail stations over the next 12 months.

"Chicago is an international, world-class city and my administration is committed to investing in what’s right, to make sure every piece of it shines," said Mayor Emanuel. "With this new Station Renewal program we’ll have cleaner, brighter, more functional stations for CTA riders."

The initiative, performed by work crews comprised of different trade workers called the ‘Renew Crew’ focuses on providing repairs in a more efficient way, creating a cleaner, brighter and more appealing station that improves the customer travel experience.

"By consolidating disparate trades that used to operate independently on different schedules and at different locations, the station renewal program will integrate supplemental specialized private trade contractors," said Claypool. "This is sort of a SWAT team approach to comprehensively address all the outstanding issues at a station at once, cleaning, repairing and improving rather than the piecemeal approach used previously."

Work done at each station will be determined by the station’s specific needs and configurations, but can include such work as painting, new lighting, repairs, power washing walls and ceilings, replacing signs and landscaping.

The first station to receive a renewal was the Logan Square Blue Line station, where the Mayor, Alderman Colon and Claypool made the announcement. The next station to undergo renewal is the California station on the Blue Line.

CTA has added a dedicated page to its website where customers can learn which station is receiving a renewal in addition to the next stations scheduled each month. The website also will allow customers to provide feedback on the work completed.

Metrolink to begin using quiet cars Oct. 3

Beginning Oct. 3, a passenger car on every weekday Southern California Metrolink train will be designated as a quiet car to ensure peace and quiet for the passengers that prefer an almost noiseless commute. No loud talking or cell phones, smart phones or electronic devices that can be heard by others will be allowed on quiet cars.

"Our new quiet cars will make the commute on Metrolink trains even more enjoyable for those, like myself, who prefer a more peaceful commute," said Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz. "Some of our passengers prefer to socialize or do business on the train. We encourage that, just not on the new quiet cars."

There is no additional charge to ride in a quiet car. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers should be mindful of the limited availability of quiet car seating and place belongings below their seat or in their laps to allow as many passengers as possible to take advantage of the new option.

The second car away from the locomotive on each train set will be designated as the quiet car. Conductors and Metrolink customer service representatives can help passengers locate the quiet cars.

"This is one more way Metrolink is working to add value to our passengers. We offer a safe, reliable, convenient service that allows our passengers to save up to $10,000 annually," said Metrolink CEO John Fenton.

In May, Metrolink launched express trains. In July, Metrolink launched trains with additional space for bicycles. Quiet cars are the next service enhancement meant to take the customer experience to the next level.

UP to invest $300 million in Nebraska, Iowa corridor

Union Pacific Railroad is investing nearly $300 million over the next several years on its central corridor between Fremont, Neb., and Missouri Valley, Iowa, which provides vital support for the nation’s economic growth and a primary shipping lane for the products American families and businesses use every day.

"When complete, this multi-year double-track project will help us operate more efficiently, increase train velocity and support our ability to add capacity as our customers’ freight transportation needs grow," said Randy Blackburn, Union Pacific regional vice president – North.

UP plans to invest approximately $3.3 billion in capital during 2011, which supports America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhances the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

Union Pacific this year began construction of three miles of second mainline and a three-mile passing track west of Missouri Valley, Iowa. The track is scheduled to be completed by mid 2012. These projects are part of a nearly $300 million investment in building 29 miles of second mainline track between Fremont, Neb., and Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Trains traveling from the West Coast to Chicago operate over Union Pacific’s central corridor. When eastbound trains get to Fremont, Neb., they operate either through Blair, Neb., to Missouri Valley, Iowa, to continue east to Chicago or they go to Omaha, Neb., then north to Missouri Valley to continue east.

The Blair route is 25 miles shorter than the Omaha route. Though shorter, the Blair line is currently single track and train capacity is limited between Missouri Valley and Fremont. When the double-track project is complete, each train that operates over the shorter Blair route will save two to four hours travel time.

Charlotte streetcar project gets $25 million

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx gathered at Central Piedmont Community College to award the City of Charlotte with nearly $25 million for a streetcar line that will improve access to jobs, housing, schools and will spur economic development in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The group also called on Congress to immediately pass President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which will invest in job-creating transportation projects like the Charlotte Streetcar all across the country.

"Putting American workers on transportation construction sites in cities like Charlotte is a crucial part of the President’s vision for the future of this country," said Secretary LaHood. "Unemployed construction workers across the country are ready to roll up their sleeves right now. Congress needs to pass the American Jobs Act right away and to put America back to work."

Six stops will be built as part of the initial 1.5-mile section of the Charlotte Streetcar Project, including the Charlotte Transportation Center near Time-Warner Cable Arena, the city’s Government Center, McDowell Street, Central Piedmont Community College, Travis Avenue and Presbyterian Hospital. This is the first phase of a planned 10-mile streetcar line that will serve the entire metropolitan Charlotte area.

The City of Charlotte has acquired three vintage streetcars to be used for the project, which is funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s Urban Circulator Grant Program. The Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) will operate and maintain the streetcar system once it is constructed.