Union Pacific targets $127 million Arkansas capital program
Union Pacific plans to invest $127 million into its Arkansas network in 2018. The Class 1 says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
Author: Mischa Wanek-Libman
BNSF to spend $90 million to maintain Minnesota network
BNSF Railway is targeting a $90 million capital program for its Minnesota network in 2018. BNSF says maintenance will be the focus of the program with a special attention given to replacing and upgrading rail, crossties and ballast.
NRC members join in Rail Day message
More than 100 individuals from approximately 60 National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) member companies helped spread the rail industry’s message during the annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Rail takes 10 percent of TIGER grants (so far)
Four rail specific and rail related projects have been awarded a total of $54.5 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants. This represents about 10 percent of the $500 million available in the latest round of TIGER funding.
UP plans $122.3 million capital plan in California
Union Pacific plans to invest $122.3 million into its California network in 2018. The Class 1 says the investment will safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
KCS-served rail park to be built in southern Illinois
A collaboration between Stonemont Financial Group and the Jerseyville Economic Development Council in Jerseyville, Ill., unveiled plans to build a 1,400-acre, rail-served industrial park.
CN’s Jobin out; Ruest named interim president and CEO
An international search for a new CEO of Canadian National is underway following the news that Luc Jobin is leaving the railroad effective immediately.
Senate staffer, SEPTA attorney to be nominated to STB
President Donald Trump intends to nominate two Republicans to fill open seats on the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
BNSF to invest $80 million in New Mexico during 2018
BNSF Railway has released details of its planned $80 million capital program in New Mexico this year.
NTSB releases preliminary report on Amtrak-CSX accident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released the preliminary report into the Feb. 4, 2018 collision between an Amtrak and CSX train on CSX’s Columbia Subdivision in Cayce, S.C.
GAO: More than half of commuter railroads at risk of missing PTC deadline
A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found as many as two-thirds of commuter railroads required to install positive train control (PTC) by the end of the year have not allocated enough time to accomplish implementation or qualify for an extension.
BNSF eyes $110M Nebraska investment in 2018
BNSF Railway Company plans to invest $110 million in its Nebraska network, where it moves nearly 2 million carloads of freight annually.
NRC makes $15k education grant available
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) is accepting applications through May 4, 2018, for a $15,000 grant to be awarded to a rail-focused educational institution.
D.C.’s SSO Program certified by FTA
The District of Columbia (D.C.) obtained Federal Transit Administration (FTA) certification for its rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program, becoming the fourth state or entity to be certified.
OL Canada aims to reduce train vs. snowmobile accidents
Virtually, all incidents involving winter recreation vehicles and trains can be avoided says Operation Lifesaver’s (OL) Canadian arm, which released a new video campaign addressing the subject.
LIRR to replace ties, crossings on Montauk Branch
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crews will work from the end of February through mid-May to replace crossties and install grade crossings.
SCVTA issues Final SEIS/SEIR for second phase of BART extension
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have issued the final state and federal environmental document for SCVTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project.
Gates down; truck on tracks says NTSB of Amtrak Virginia accident
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says a refuse truck was on the grade crossing after gates were lowered when it was hit by Special Amtrak Train 923 in Crozet, Va.
New York state has $26.5 million available for rail and port grants
New York state has $26.5 million in funds available for rail and port projects as part of the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program.
BNSF to spend $260 million in Illinois, Oklahoma this year
BNSF plans to invest $260 million in its Illinois and Oklahoma network as part of its $3.3 billion 2018 capital plan.