Union Pacific to invest $45 million into Oklahoma network this year

Union Pacific detailed plans to invest $45 million during 2018 into its Oklahoma network. The railroad says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.

BNSF could begin second Lake Pend Oreille bridge in fall

BNSF Railway could begin a project to build a second bridge across Lake Pend Oreille this fall. The railroad has applied for permits that would see the new bridge constructed adjacent to the existing bridge.

Seattle: One transit project progresses; another is halted

The transit network in Seattle, Wash., had a good news/bad news situation last week as one light-rail project progressed, while work was halted on a streetcar project.

Pennsylvania approves $32 million in funding for rail

The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission has approved $32 million in grants to 27 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain more than 400 jobs across Pennsylvania.

Loram hosts Sen. Klobuchar for facility tour; policy discussion

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), speaking just a few miles from where she grew up, told a crowd of Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., employees that the work they do is the backbone of where the country needs to go.

Omnibus FY18: A little bit of good news for a lot of the rail industry

Congress passed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill on Thursday, March 22. The president signed the legislation (even though his Twitter activity suggested otherwise) to avoid a government shutdown, but noted his displeasure saying there were elements of the legislation he was not happy about.

European partnership looks to develop smart ties

Crossties capable of data collection will be the development focus of a new partnership between technology and consulting firm Indra and Greenrail, an Italian producer of eco-sustainable crossties.

LIRR lays out improvement plan

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) detailed a slate of nearly 60 actions it will take to improve the railroad’s performance through a new initiative called the LIRR Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

FRA holding PTC meetings with railroads, suppliers

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) leadership is stepping up its role in the journey toward positive train control (PTC) implementation by meeting with railroad and supply representatives to ensure progress is being made.

FTA certifies SSO Programs in Massachusetts and Hawaii

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has certified the rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs of Massachusetts and Hawaii.

Union Pacific Louisiana network to receive $87 million investment

Union Pacific will spend an estimated $87 million on its Louisiana network this year to enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.

TransLink Mayors’ Council, British Columbia agree on regional funding transit expansion

The TransLink Mayors’ Council and the government of British Columbia have agreed on a plan to fund the CA$2.5 billion (US$1.91 billion) regional share of the Phase Two Plan for infrastructure.

DEIR released for LACMTA turnback facility

A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been released for a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LACMTA) project that will speed the turnaround time Red and Purple line trains need at Union Station, which will allow more of these trains along the lines.

British Columbia to chip in for Pacific Northwest HSR study

Studying the potential of connecting Canada to the Pacific Northwest through ultra-high-speed rail service received a sign of support with the government of British Columbia agreeing to help fund analysis of such service.

Ontario strikes multi-billion-dollar deal with Canada on infrastructure

The province of Ontario and the government of Canada have reached an agreement that will provide CA$11.8 billion (US$9.02 billion) toward infrastructure spending.

Latest safety stats a mixed bag with crossing, trespassing incidents up

Recently released statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reveal a mixed safety story for the rail industry with 2017 marking the lowest rate of track-caused and human factor-caused accidents ever, but the year also saw an increase in crossing incidents and in trespassing casualties.

Quebec’s RTM lays out investment plan to boost rail reliability

The Réseau de transport métropolitain (RTM) in Quebec detailed a five-year plan to improve service reliability along all rail lines and includes investments in infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, maintenance, as well as an enhanced winter operation plan.

Capitol Hill this week: Shortlines discuss value and needs

The infrastructure needs and value brought by the shortline railroads in the United States were the topic of testimony given at two Congressional hearings this week.

Union Pacific’s Kansas network to see $113 million investment in 2018

Union Pacific plans to invest $113 million into its Kansas network in 2018. The Class 1 says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.

Rail to benefit from $96M in TIGER grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a list of recipients of the nearly $500 million in available Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants.

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