Author: jrood

GCRTA and partners plan “Don’t ‘X’ Out Public Transportation” campaign

On Monday, Sept. 19 and Tuesday Sept. 20, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority passengers may notice something very different about their commute on the roads in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Large red Xs will be painted on RTA vehicles to send the message: Don’t ‘X’ Out Public Transportation.

Organized by GCRTA, the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Ohio Contractors Association and GCRTA customers, two days of events will highlight what federal proposed cuts of 30 percent to transportation would look like. More info on what all agencies participating around the U.S. are doing can be found here at www.supporttransit.org.

On Monday, Sept. 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center (2110 Prospect Ave.) join the GCTRA CEO and General Manager Joseph Calabrese, alongside ATU President William Nix and fellow GCRTA employees paint buses with the large red Xs, preparing for the national event.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at noon at Public Square, the Ohio Contractors Association, which represents public works caretakers and infrastructure, including more than 116,200 miles of roads, 42,000 bridges and miles of water, sewer, energy and communication lines, will join GCRTA, ATU and public transit customers for a rally highlighting what the Red ‘X’s signify in cuts to all transportation funding.

"The transportation bill affects almost everyone, our public transit customers and everyone who uses our roads, bridges and highways," said Calabrese. "We’re glad to be here with the Ohio Contractors Association to highlight the need to keep funding transportation in the future."

 

L.B. Foster receives IndustryWeek 2011 Best Plant recognition

L.B. Foster Company’s Pueblo, Colo., rail products facility has been selected by IndustryWeek magazine as a finalist in their search for North America’s top manufacturing plants. The publication’s website reported that the finalists for the 2011 Best Plants recognition for excellence in manufacturing included L.B. Foster’s rail joints and bars facility. The Pueblo plant was chosen by IndustryWeek for demonstrating extraordinary continuous improvement in the workplace and sustained efforts to provide customer satisfaction.

"I congratulate Plant Manager Bart Peterson and our Pueblo team for this important recognition. Their successful efforts to establish operational efficiencies have created a world-class plant environment that increases our company’s competitiveness," said Stan Hasselbusch, L.B. Foster president and CEO.

The L.B. Foster Rail Products facility manufactures insulated rail joints and epoxy bonded rail joint bars. The ISO 9001:2008 certified plant maintains an exceptional level of quality assurance and an ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction.

Participation requests for inclusion in the 2011 Best Plants Awards were solicited from companies throughout North America. The annual IndustryWeek Best Plants competition assesses operational functions in a wide range of performance categories across all manufacturing areas and recognizes their excellence. The top manufacturing plants will be chosen from the list of finalists to receive a 2011 IndustryWeek Best Plants Award this Fall. L.B. Foster’s Pueblo, Colo. facility is currently being evaluated for this honor.

 

SFMTA’s moves forward with $233.5 million Central Subway contract

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said the initial notice to proceed authorization for the Central Subway’s largest construction contract, $233.5 million, will be issued this week. Thus far, the project will bring in nearly $90 million to local businesses and create thousands of job opportunities.

"The momentum continues to build for San Francisco’s Central Subway Project because it will expand transit options in the heart of the city," said Tom Nolan, chairman of the SFMTA Board of Directors. "The city’s transportation infrastructure serves as the lifeblood of our expanding industries as well as our vibrant neighborhoods and the residents, visitors and employees that support them."

This week the SFMTA will move forward with the first of three NTP authorizations for the tunneling contract, awarded in June. This NTP allows the contractor to proceed with ordering the two tunnel boring machines needed to construct the twin bore tunnels for the underground portion of the Central Subway Project. The contract has three distinct NTP authorizations: NTP 1 ($35M) authorizes procurement of the TBMs, NTP 2 ($36M) authorizes construction of the tunnel launch box and contractor’s work area and NTP 3 ($163M) authorizes commencement of tunneling, which includes construction of approximately 8,240-foot long precast concrete segmental lined twin-bored guideway tunnels, construction of five emergency cross passages between bored tunnels and construction of station end walls.

A construction approach called "deep tunneling" will be used to construct the Central Subway. Deep tunneling allows most of the work to be done below ground, reducing disruption on the surface by using the TBMs, a technology that has been used extensively throughout the world. The only visible tunneling activity will occur at the portal construction location (4th Street between Bryant and Harrison streets) and at the excavation site (Columbus Avenue at Union Street).

GREX hires VP engineering

Georgetown Rail Equipment Company has hired Gregory Grissom who will take on the role as vice president, engineering, effective immediately.

As a professional engineer, licensed in multiple states including Texas, Grissom has extensive railroad experience managing high-profile industry projects and is an active AREMA member. He is currently vice chairman of AREMA Committee 30 – Ties and will assume the role of chairman of Committee 30 at Railway Interchange 2011 in Minneapolis next week.

House passes transportation surface bill short-term extension

The U.S. House of Representatives approved an extension to continue programs for transportation, including transit programs.

H.R. 2887, introduced in the House by Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL), Transportation Committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI), Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI), Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), unanimously passed the House.

"While this legislation signifies a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to move forward, it must not be just a temporary band-aid for our important aviation, highway, rail and safety programs and for job creation," Mica said. "To build our nation’s infrastructure and put people to work, we need long-term authorizations of these programs. Unfortunately, this bill is the 22nd FAA extension and the 8th surface transportation extension. Congress has delayed passing a long-term FAA bill for over four years and a surface transportation bill for two years. This action represents a last chance to roll up our sleeves and get transportation projects in America moving again."


H.R. 2887 authorizes FAA programs through January 31, 2012 at current funding levels. The current extension authorizing FAA programs expires at the end of the week.

The legislation also authorizes federal highway, transit and highway safety programs through March 31, 2012 at current funding levels. The current extension authorizing highway, transit and highway safety programs expires at the end of September.

Feds award $32.5 million to Boston’s South Station

The Federal Railway Administration awarded the Massachusetts Department of Transportation $32.5 million to expand and enhance the historic South Station in Boston. The station currently operates beyond its capacity and expects an estimated 50 percent increase in high-speed intercity passenger rail travel in the coming years along the Northeast Corridor, making expansion necessary.

"These dollars will allow South Station to expand and meet the needs of the traveling public," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Revitalizing and modernizing South Station is not only crucial to accommodating projected population growth, it will create jobs and grow the region’s economy."

The grant will allow MassDOT to complete all necessary environmental reviews as well as preliminary engineering activities for the station expansion, including:

• Development of a new layover facility for train storage during off-peak times.

• Improvements to existing tracks, platforms, interlockings, passenger facilities and other infrastructure.

• Demolition and relocation of an existing, adjacent U.S. Postal Service General Mail Facility to construct new passenger facilities including tracks, platforms, waiting areas with connections to existing platforms and tracks and the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal.

• Design passenger enhancements through improved streetscape, pedestrian, bicycle, local transit and vehicular facilities in and around the station, including the re-opening of Dorchester Avenue for public use.

• Develop a cost estimate for the construction phase of the project.

• Consideration of opportunities for joint public/private development over an expanded South Station.

South Station offers travelers access to Amtrak’s high-speed Acela service as well as Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail, intercity bus, rapid transit and bus rapid transit services, including direct service to Boston Logan International Airport. MassDOT will contribute $10.5 million to this phase of the project.

"This is not only a great project for Boston’s MBTA commuters, but for all rail travelers in New England," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo. "Amtrak’s Acela, Northeast Regional and Lake Shore Limited all utilize South Station, handling more than 1.3 million passengers in 2010."

 

BNSF launches website for rail advocates

BNSF has launched a website dedicated to providing exclusive content to the friends, allies and advocates interested in BNSF or freight rail transportation. Those who join the ‘Friends of BNSF’ website will gain access to articles, documents, photos and videos, many of which are not available anywhere else.

"Friends of BNSF will allow us to keep the community informed about issues that are important to freight rail transportation and its role in the U.S. economy," said John Ambler, BNSF vice president, corporate relations. "Rail fans, freight rail advocates, members of communities in which BNSF operates and of course our employees and retirees are all welcome at Friends of BNSF."

Members will be able to view special news articles and videos, explore a one-of-a-kind resource library packed with company information, download exclusive wallpaper, ringtones and a screensaver.

The website will display treasures from BNSF’s extensive historical archives. Members can explore the long history of the railroad and its predecessors through historical photos and videos, authentic maps and documents and classic brochures and advertisements.

Membership at Friends of BNSF is free, but visitors are required to provide an e-mail address in order to join the site. Friends of BNSF will be updated with new content regularly. Members can elect to receive e-mail notifications when new content is posted in their selected areas of interest.

Visit friendsofbnsf.com to join.

New York

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will begin the last major contract this month needed to extend the 7 subway line to the Far West Side of Manhattan. The contract, signed in August for $513.7 million, was awarded to a joint venture of Skanska USA and RailWorks Corp. The funding for this contract is being provided by the Hudson Yards Development Corporation.

Under this award, contractors will lay the tracks through the newly completed tunnels and build the signals that will guide trains along the new sections of track and the third rails that will power them. They will also build elevators and escalators at the new station, and the station’s systems for electrical power, lighting, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and they will connect the new station and tunnels to utilities.

"This award marks a major milestone as we continue to make progress on the construction of the 7 extension project," said Michael Horodniceanu, Ph.D., president of MTA capital construction. "With the award of this contract, we’re one step closer to opening up the Far West Side of Manhattan to major, transit-oriented economic growth."

The contracting companies have committed to aggressive goals of hiring state-designated minority-owned subcontractors for 15 percent of work and women-owned subcontractors for an additional 5 percent of work.

The $2.1 billion project to extend the 7 train to the Far West Side of Manhattan, with a new station at 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue, is expected to open for service in December 2013.

SEPTA’s Fox Chase Station is first LEED Silver train station in USA

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s recently rebuilt Fox Chase Regional Rail Station has earned a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Fox Chase Station is the nation’s first train station to receive LEED Silver.

"This classification exemplifies SEPTA’s commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrates how ‘green’ public transportation can be," said SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey. "We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our engineering team to ensure that SEPTA achieved this certification."

To achieve the LEED Silver status, SEPTA implemented numerous eco-friendly processes throughout planning, design and building phases, including recycling construction waste materials such as drywall; using low-pollutant emitting building materials and purchasing energy from a local green energy supplier. The completed station has energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning and lighting systems; is entirely smoke-free; features receptacles for recycling papers, cans and bottles and has 15 parking spots designated specifically for energy efficient vehicles.

Fox Chase Station was designed by HNTB and built by Shared Systems Technology. The Sheward Partnership, LLC, provided LEED project oversight. The station project cost $1.1 million and was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

UTA hires HDR to Provide services for Sugar House Streetcar Project

The Utah Transit Authority hired HDR to provide preliminary engineering, with the option to provide final design and design services during construction, for the Sugar House Streetcar project in Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake City, Utah.

The proposed two-mile streetcar line is jointly owned by the Utah Transit Authority, South Salt Lake and Salt Lake City. Project goals include designing and developing a transit corridor with an emphasis on economic potential, livability and walkability.

As part of the new contract, HDR will provide preliminary engineering and final design services for the track work, structures, drainage, utility relocations, stations, street reconstruction and at-grade crossings.
Construction costs are estimated to be approximately $37 million, with the streetcar opening as early as 2013.

URS awarded contract for design, survey services of HSR corridor

The Illinois Department of Transportation awarded a contract to URS Corporation for design and survey services for the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail corridor.

These services will help make high-speed rail a reality in Illinois by introducing 110 mph service between these key metropolitan areas and providing transportation alternatives for the citizens of Illinois.

One of URS’ first assignments is to develop preliminary plans for more than 200 highway rail crossings to support 110 mph service. This will include the initiation of Quad Gate systems throughout the corridor, fencing and the installation of pedestrian gates where appropriate. URS will provide civil, structural, drainage and roadway services associated with these new designs.

URS will work closely with Union Pacific, the Illinois Commerce Commission and local corridor stakeholders to help the Illinois Department of Transportation achieve its vision of high speed passenger service in the state.

Canada’s Masse rolls out “Need for Speed” rail investment campaign

Brian Masse Member of Parliament (Windsor-West) is rolling out the "Need for Speed Campaign," urging Federal government to prioritize rail investment in Canada. Masse has written the Minister of Transport Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel advising him to move decisively toward augmenting Canada’s rail capacity by investing in higher-speed rail.

"Today I am calling on the minister to create a working group of stakeholders along the Windsor to Quebec City corridor from government and the private sector to work to ensure that higher-speed rail investments become a reality and are implemented effectively," he stated.

Masse notes that, currently Canada has no higher-speed rail networks, the only G8 country without this capacity. Rail experts, NGOs, elected officials from all levels of government and across party lines have indicated support for significant upgrades to Canada’s rail capacity. There is widespread consensus that the Windsor to Quebec City corridor is an ideal route to begin the process of addressing this glaring infrastructure deficit.

"Rail investments are critical to our future economic growth. Countries all over the world are investing in rail and the unfortunate reality is that we are lagging behind in an increasingly dramatic way," explained Masse. "Canada is facing an infrastructure deficit, particularly in the context of rail and in an era when the global challenge to attract investment is fierce we must ensure that we are in the best possible position to remain competitive."

Going forward, Masse will be galvanizing support for rail investments by engaging elected officials, business and labor and the general public. Further announcement about the "Need for Speed Campaign" will be forthcoming as the push to address Canada’s infrastructure needs continues.

BNSF allows peak inside its Topeka Locomotive Shops, tops veteran employer list

More than 5,000 people showed up for a rare peak inside the BNSF Topeka Locomotive Shops in Kansas during a special open house on Labor Day.

The event was designed to showcase the railroad’s long history in Kansas, as the state celebrates its sesquicentennial. It also allowed the public to see inside the shop on the northeast side of downtown Topeka.

"We drive by these buildings all the time and wonder what goes on in there," said Preston Taylor of Topeka. "It’s great to see that all this work for the railroad happens here in our city. I know lots of communities would love to have this kind of business employing its citizens. It makes me appreciate what this place means to Topeka and it is fitting that the shops are open on Labor Day."

The open house took place at the massive locomotive repair facility where visitors were able to view locomotives in various stages of repair. For some, it was an opportunity of a lifetime to climb into the cab of a diesel locomotive and tour a vintage rail car.

"By all measures this was a very successful open house," Curt Meyers, shop superintendent, said. "We are very proud of the shops and appreciate the opportunity to show them off to the public."

In other BNSF news, the railway has been named the No. 1 "Best Employer for Veterans" in the United States by Military Times EDGE magazine. The magazine’s annual recognition program highlights those employers in the United States that "prove they make veterans a priority-not just with slogans and statements of support, but with programs, policies and positive track records."

"This award is an honor and a true testament to BNSF’s military-friendly culture," said Riz Chand, vice president and chief human resources officer, BNSF. "We are committed to helping veterans transition to the workforce and we value their focus on safety, their leadership and operational skills and their unique life experiences."

BNSF has hired more than 4,000 veterans since 2005 and currently employs more than 7,000 veterans. This equates to approximately 18 percent of BNSF’s workforce. BNSF has hired more than 1,000 veterans so far in 2011.

"The military candidate embodies the core competencies essential at BNSF: leadership, teamwork and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced, dynamic environment," said John Wesley III, manager, military staffing and a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army.

UGL secures $88 million in new locomotive supply and maintenance projects

UGL Limited has secured two new orders to supply and maintain new rail freight locomotives for the Australian market valued at $88 million.

The orders include the supply of seven C44ACi locomotives and a five-year maintenance support program to support rail haulage services for a resources company in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

UGL has also secured the supply of thirteen new GE Evolution locomotives to support Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations and ongoing growth in Western Australia. This brings the total number of GE/UGL rail locomotives at Rio Tinto’s Karratha operations to more than 150.

"These new contracts reinforce UGL’s market leading position in the rail freight market," said UGL’s Managing Director and CEO Richard Leupen. "Our locomotive business is performing well with strong demand across all key resources markets."

"We are very pleased that a number of leading resources companies have chosen UGL as a key supply and maintenance partner. These projects also support a healthy forward workload for our rail business and further add to our recurring revenue base as we commence the 2012 financial year," addd Leupen.

LACMTA holds ceremony to kick off Expo Line Phase 2 construction

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Sept. 12 by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Santa Monica, Calif., for the second phase of the Expo Line light-rail project.

The 6.6-mile second phase, with a budget of about $1.5 billion, will connect Culver City and Santa Monica, Calif., mostly via the old right-of-way that runs along Exposition Boulevard. The budget includes several significant bridges for the train over busy streets, including Sepulveda Boulevard, as well as a maintenance yard and new rail cars.

The Source, a publication of the LACMTA, stated that the first phase of the Expo Line from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City is nearing completion and train and track testing has been underway since spring. No formal date for the opening of that line has been set.

The second phase of the Expo Line between downtown Los Angeles and downtown Santa Monica, Calif., is expected to open in 2015.

The second phase of the Expo Line is funded mostly by the Measure R half-cent sales tax increase approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008.

 

Maryland Transit to begin construction on Edgewood MARC station

The Maryland Transit Administration will soon begin construction of a new MARC Train Station in Edgewood. The contract for construction has received approval from the Board of Public Works. The new station will provide a permanent facility at a key location on the MARC Train Penn Line near the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a critical component in the Base Realignment and Closure process.

"This investment is yet another sign of our full commitment to BRAC in Maryland," Governor Martin O’Malley. "Public transportation will play a vital role in the Aberdeen BRAC Zone and this new MARC Train station will help ensure that BRAC growth is smart growth."

The $4.3 million dollar project will include a new station with bathroom facilities, ticket vending machines, two ADA accessible ramps from the existing platforms to the existing underpass on Edgewood Road (MD 755); retaining walls to support the accessible ramps; a new platform shelter located adjacent to the northbound platform; full-depth pavement reconstruction at portions of the existing parking lot and Old Edgewood Road and miscellaneous civil/site work, including parking lot paving, drainage, storm water management, signing, pavement markings, rehabilitation of the existing concrete stairs, replacement of the existing railing along the west side of Edgewood Road (MD 755), landscaping and other aesthetic improvements.

Phase one of the project included demolition of the Old Post Office Building, platform rehabilitation work and additional parking and storm water management. Phase two is expected to be completed in early 2013.
The project is 60 percent federally funded.

GCRTA recognized for green practices

Crain’s Cleveland Business recognized the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority with a 2011 Emerald Award, distinguishing outstanding Northeast Ohio companies for increased sustainability efforts and a decreased carbon footprint. GCRTA won in the large non-profit category.

The Emerald Awards define sustainability as, "the commercialization or adaptation of processes and products which are both feasible, economical and make a positive impact on the triple bottom line — Profits, People, Planet."

GCRTA won for its goals to strive for social, environmental and economical sustainability throughout its system.

The GCRTA Board of Trustees adopted a Policy Statement and Environmental Commitments to bring value and awareness to employees and customers in order to reduce carbon emissions.

The long term Carbon Management Plan calls for a 20 percent reduction in emissions throughout GCRTA by 2019. Some early successes come from zero waste initiatives through recycling and compost collection and decreased cost and increased effectiveness through energy-efficient lighting retrofits at several facilities.

GCRTA will receive the Emerald Award at Cleveland State University on Sept. 20.

Ground breaking ceremony held for Richland Hills TRE station improvements

The Mayor of Richland Hills, Texas, David Ragan, and city council members hosted Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes, The T’s Board Chair Gary Cumbie and other officials at a ground-breaking ceremony Sept. 12, for a multi-phase enhancement project at the Richland Hills Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Station.

The project, which has been planned for several years in cooperation with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, is designed to improve street and pedestrian access to the Richland Hills TRE Station, expand parking, enhance traffic flow around the station and encourage future development adjacent to the station.

The majority of the funding for the enhancements will be from grants through the Federal Transit Administration.

The first phase of the long-term project will be the addition of 100 parking spaces at the TRE Station park and ride lot bringing it to a total of 671 spaces. Construction will begin in September. The TRE Station has the third highest TRE boardings of stations in Tarrant County.

The second phase will be the realignment of Burns Street to match up with Trinity Boulevard, providing dedicated turn lanes to expedite traffic flow into and out of the station.

The final phase includes future economic development by private entities on property adjacent to the station.

"Improved access and additional parking for the area surrounding the Richland Hills TRE Station will enhance the Southeast entrance of our city and make it welcoming for future development opportunities," said Richland Hills Mayor David Ragan.

"The T is very pleased with its partnership with Richland Hills and the city’s commitment to public transportation and its potential to expand economic development," said Dick Ruddell, president of The T.

Axion launches

Axion International Holdings, Inc., launched EcoTraxTM, a new Axion brand name for its existing composite railroad ties, which have gone through extensive proof-of-concept testing over the past 12 years and are now being sold in many domestic and international markets throughout the railroad tie industry.

Utilizing Axion’s technology, EcoTraxTM is said to be easy to install at the track site using traditional wood tie equipment. Since the ties are designed using 100 percent recycled plastic and plastic composites, the ties are longer lasting, environmentally friendly, and are said to be ideal for harsh climates and weather conditions.

"The launch of the EcoTraxTM brand is a huge milestone for Axion as we strive to become the market leader in the composite rail tie business," said Steve Silverman, Axion’s president and CEO. "What many do not realize, is that our patented technology has been used to manufacture and install railroad ties with many customers around the globe over the last 12 years. Additionally, the products have been tested extensively with customers and at the test track in Pueblo, Colo., with over 1.85 million gross tons of freight traffic recorded. It is safe to say this product is well proven and well tested. All great products have a brand name and the time has come to give our great product a name."

Jim Kerstein, Axion’s chief technology officer, added, "The number one compliment you can receive for your product is when a customer re-orders. Even within the limited time we have been actively marketing our rail products, we have seen customers re-order our railroad ties on a consistent basis. When customers need an eco-friendly product that performs well in weather challenged areas and will reduce maintenance time and costs, we want them to call on EcoTraxTM."

Axion’s EcoTraxTM contains no toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will not leach toxic chemicals nor warp. EcoTraxTM is completely recyclable at the end of its functional life.

LIRR to perform tie replacement work, rail inspection

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road will begin tie replacement trackwork on the Montauk Branch between Babylon and Sayville, N.Y., starting September 12 and continuing through November 6. The work will affect six midday, weekday trains, three eastbound and three westbound, that operate between Babylon and Speonk, N.Y.

Additionally, on September 14 and 15 only, rail inspection will be performed between Patchogue and Montauk, N.Y., which will result in bus service being substituted for four other midday trains, two eastbound and two westbound, on the Montauk Branch east of Patchogue, N.Y., September 14 and east of Speonk, N.Y., September 15. This replacement bus service for the rail inspection is in addition to the alternate bus and train service already replacing some midday trains between Babylon and Speonk, N.Y., for the track tie replacement work.

On Wednesday, September 14 and Thursday, September 15 only, rail inspection will be performed on the stretch of track between Patchogue and Montauk, N.Y., using the special Sperry Rail Inspection Car.

The Sperry Rail Car, which will be performing the specialized track inspection, is fitted with ultrasonic and induction test equipment and it’s designed to detect internal rail defects not readily visible to the eye. Defects that are found will be corrected immediately by a crew of LIRR track maintenance workers. The Sperry Rail Car is used twice a year to inspect approximately 500 miles of LIRR track.