TriMet MAX improvements for Morrison-Yamhill project begins April 30

TriMet’s Morrison-Yamhill MAX Improvements project kicks off on Sunday, April 30. Crews will begin maintenance and rehab on some of Portland’s oldest MAX alignment along SW Morrison and Yamhill streets at 11th and 1st avenues downtown.

TransLink to replace track pads, rail over 2.98 miles by July 2017

TransLink is replacing track pads and approximately 5,000 linear meters (16,404 linear feet) of running rail this year as a part of its annual Expo Line Running Rail Replacement Project.

Michael Baker hires Ted Coffey as VP to oversee East Coast railroad and transit operations

Michael Baker International hired Ted Coffey as vice president and deputy national market lead in the railroad and transit practice. In this role, Coffey will oversee Michael Baker’s East Coast railroad and transit operations, leading business and strategic development.

MTA board awards contracts to begin next phase of 2nd Avenue Subway project, enhance train stations in Queens, shorten Canarsie Tunnel closure

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board on Monday voted on measures to improve service for millions of New Yorkers who use subways.

Greenville & Western Railway promotes Brandon L. Julian and Dennis J. Martin

Greenville & Western Railway Company (GRLW) has promoted two of its employees. Brandon L. Julian has been promoted to general manager and Dennis J. Martin has been promoted to manager – mechanical and transloading.

MBTA to invest $911 million to improve South Shore Red Line stations, cars and infrastructure

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will discuss major improvements and renovations at stations and garages on the South Shore at four public meetings that begin next week.

HNTB’s Diana Mendes honored, firm welcomes Robert James

Diana Mendes, HNTB Corporation transit/rail practice leader and senior vice president, was named 2017 Training Professional of the Year Award by the National Transit Institute (NTI). HNTB also welcomed Robert James to the firm’s Parsippany, N.J. office as a senior project manager for electrical engineering.

Twin tunneling machines expected in LA by fall for Purple Line Extension

Twin tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are being constructed in Germany and are expected to arrive this fall to help construct The Los Angeles Country Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Purple Line Extension project.

SEPTA Releases Proposed FY 2018 Capital Budget

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will advance initiatives to renew critical infrastructure, replace aging portions of its fleet, expand capacity for growing ridership and make technology improvements under its proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget.

David Friss joins GREX as director of process improvement

Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) has appointed David Friss to the position of director of process improvement. In this role, Friss is responsible for the streamlining of processes as GREX continues to develop the rail industry’s most innovative technologies.

Bruce McCuaig steps down from Metrolinx, accepts new role at Canada Infrastructure Bank

Bruce McCuaig is stepping down as president and CEO of Metrolinx to accept a new federal role in the Privy Council Office as executive adviser (Infrastructure Bank) effective April 24, 2017 to support the launch of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Ontario, Toronto Hydro building battery back-up and emergency power system for Eglinton Crosstown LRT project

Ontario is partnering with Toronto Hydro to build a battery energy storage system for the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) line, which will increase the reliability of the line, lower operating costs and reduce emissions.

Report from AAR confirms freight railroads deep connection to international trade

An assessment released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) found that the impact of trade on the freight railroad industry is responsible for at least 42 percent of rail carloads and intermodal units, and more than 35 percent of annual rail revenue, are directly associated with international trade.

CN, Duluth Cargo Connect to establish first intermodal container terminal in Twin Ports

Canadian National (CN) and Duluth Cargo Connect announced a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis.

Ribbon cutting held for BART Warm Springs/South Fremont Station

Community members joined elected officials and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) representatives for a ribbon cutting of BART’s Warm Springs/South Fremont Station, which opened for service March 25.

Construction officially starts on new York Region GO station

Ontario is making it easier for commuters and families to get around York Region and the Greater Toronto Area with the construction of a new GO station at Highway 404 and Bloomington Road.

Certified Safety Professional Julie Tufte joins TKDA team as safety manager

Julie Tufte, a certified safety professional, recently joined TKDA as safety manager.

Union Pacific plans increase in NW Iowa track speeds; consolidates Pocatello unit management

Union Pacific will increase the maximum track speed limit from 40 to 49 mph on the rail line paralleling Highway 60 in northwest Iowa next month.

Work begins on first three stations of $72-million MTA station modernization project

Work begins this month on the first group of stations that are part of the ongoing Enhanced Station Initiative (ESI) to create new and improved subway stations throughout New York. The R line stations, along 4th Ave. in Brooklyn, will close in both directions for renovations.

2016 had lowest accident rate on record, says FRA

U.S. railroads had the lowest train accident rate on record in 2016, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).