OmniTRAX estimates HBR service restoration could top $60M
OmniTRAX is developing a 60-day plan to return the northern portion of the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) to service following floods that caused significant damage to the line in May.
Author: Mischa Wanek-Libman
Gov. Cuomo touts $5.6B LIRR transformation
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke at a July 19 luncheon for the Long Island Association where he outlined the historic $5.6-billion transformation of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
FRA issues Gulf Coast passenger rail report; Class 1s not fully on board
A report submitted to Congress on July 17 says restored Gulf Coast Amtrak service would expand travel markets; improve access to jobs, education and healthcare; reduce vehicular congestion and provide support for disaster and emergency response during coastal storm events.
Geotechnical work underway along portion of California project
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and its contractor Kleinfelder are currently performing geotechnical work along State Route 152 in the Pacheco Pass.
FRA issues ROD on NEC FUTURE
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued its Record of Decision (ROD) on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) FUTURE program that details a long-term vision for the corridor to improve and grow passenger rail service at a cost between $121 billion and $153 billion.
Rep. Frelinghuysen explains the $900M for Gateway Program in THUD bill
A New Jersey congressman, who happens to chair the committee responsible for appropriating funds for transportation programs, explains the funds allocated for the Gateway Program will advance a project that is critical to the U.S. economy.
House Appropriations Committee THUD bill: TIGER eliminated; preserves other grants
The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee released the fiscal year 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill July 10.
NCDOT, Progressive Rail partner to preserve portion of P&N service
Progressive Rail, Inc., and the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division have partnered to preserve rail service along a portion of the Piedmont & Northern Railway corridor.
Sens. Schumer, Booker renew call to fund Gateway Program
U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) renewed their call for the Gateway Program to advance with funding commitments.
Grupo México completes FEC acquisition
Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V. has completed the acquisition of Florida East Coast Holdings Corp. (FEC) through its Transportation Business Unit Grupo México Transportes, S.A. de C.V. (GMXT).
Metrolinx safety officer receives OL Canada award
Operation Lifesaver Canada has named Metrolinx transit safety officer Peter Mohyla as the recipient of its 2016 Roger Cyr Award for Public Safety.
Hudson Tunnel DEIS identifies $13-billion preferred alternative
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement review (DEIS) for the Hudson Tunnel Project was released July 6 and identifies a nearly $13-billion preferred alternative that would build a new rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York and rehabilitate the existing North River Tunnel.
Moynihan Train Hall project gets $537.1-million TIFIA loan
The New York State Urban Development Corporation D/B/A Empire State Development (ESD) has secured a $537.1 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for the Moynihan Train Hall Redevelopment Project.
Grade separation planned in Columbus, Ind.
A $30-million grade separation will be built in Columbus, Ind., in anticipation of increased train traffic following planned upgrades CSX is making on the Louisville & Indiana (L&I) Railroad line between Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis, Ind.
MTA opens rehabbed South Ferry Terminal
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) re-opened the South Ferry Terminal Complex July 2, marking a major milestone in its Superstorm Sandy recover and resiliency efforts.
Murta named executive director of the Short Line Safety Institute
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has selected Thomas Murta as its executive director, effective July 10, 2017.
SNC-Lavalin completes acquisition of Atkins
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. completed the CA$3.6-billion (US$2.77-billion) acquisition of WS Atkins plc on July 3.
Illinois Sens.: FASTLANE change could delay key rail projects
A pair of U.S. senators from Illinois say the restructuring of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program could delay progress on two key rail projects: the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project and Merchants Railroad Bridge Project.
Transit security legislation enters U.S. House
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL-3) introduced Securing America’s Facilities, Equipment, and Rail: Taking Responsibility for American National Security in Transit (SAFER TRANSIT) Act “to better secure [the] country’s public transit systems.”
USDOT rebrands FASTLANE grants as INFRA grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Federal Register for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.