Groundbreaking held for LIRR Third Track expansion
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sept. 5, 2018, to mark the beginning of work for the $2.6-billion Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Third Track expansion, which will benefit 40 percent of LIRR
Author: Mischa Wanek-Libman
FTA outlines transition of WMATA safety oversight
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is prepared to initiate the transfer safety oversight of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system to the Metrorail Safety Commission (MSC) following a few
Amtrak completes latest round of NY Penn Station renewal work
Amtrak has completed its second summer of intense renewal work at New York Penn Station. Five intercity trains that have been operating at alternative stations since late May have returned to New
Illinois, Tennessee obtain FTA certification of SSO Programs
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has certified rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs from Illinois and Tennessee in advance of an April 15, 2019, deadline.
Rail suppliers, stakeholders show Rep. Kelly what “rocks” about the industry
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL-2) joined representatives from various segments of the rail industry on Aug. 29 to discuss policy and tour the Middle River Marine facility in Chicago.
Sound Transit selects WSP USA for design-build management contract for Redmond Link extension
Sound Transit selected WSP USA to perform design-build project management services for the Downtown Redmond Link Extension. WSP’s preconstruction services will include assistance in preparing and reviewing the design-build contract request for
Union Pacific has 70% of route miles in PTC operation
Union Pacific released its data, as of Aug. 17, 2018, detailing its progress implementing positive train control (PTC).
Sen. Schumer calls for inspection of entire Syracuse elevated rail viaduct
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) renewed his push to increase the number of federal railroad bridge inspections and have the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conduct an inspection of the entire elevated rail viaduct
Canada highlights rail safety in Alberta with funds for 18 projects
The government of Canada will invest CA$3.3 million (US$2.56 million) in 18 projects in the province of Alberta aimed at improving rail safety.
LACMTA begins Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station overhaul
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) began work on a $109-million improvement project at the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station, which serves the transit agency’s oldest light-rail line, the Blue Line.
FRA PTC grants: 28 projects in 15 states receive funding
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded more than $200 million in available funds to assist with the deployment of Positive Train Control (PTC) with a second solicitation expected soon regarding the
FRA: Q2 2018 PTC data shows significant improvement
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released Second Quarter 2018 Positive Train Control (PTC) progress statistics noting that despite nine railroads being classified as “at-risk,” overall, the data shows significant improvement as the
Tempe Streetcar project receives federal clearance to enter construction
Valley Metro received a Letter of No Prejudice on the Tempe Streetcar project from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The letter means the rail project is cleared to proceed to the next
Metrolink SCORE(s) state funds for regional rail improvements
Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program received what was described as the first down payment on the program from the California Transportation Commission (CTC).
Railroads in Illinois, N.M., Texas and N.Y. secure $73M in Positive Train Control grants
News began to trickle out from congressional offices regarding which properties have been awarded federal grants that will be applied toward the cost of implementing Positive Train Control (PTC).
Canada Infrastructure Bank selects Montréal REM project for first investment
The Canada Infrastructure Bank has agreed to invest in the Réseau express métropolitain light-rail project (REM) via a CA$1.28-billion (US$980-million) loan. This is the inaugural investment of the Canada Infrastructure Bank since
Louis Gambaccini, first chairman of NJ Transit: 1931-2018
Louis J. Gambaccini, the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of New Jersey Transit, died at his home in Skillman, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 19. He was 87 years old.
AAPA sends letter to appropriators with compromise funding requests
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) sent a letter to congressional appropriation leaders asking them to “provide adequate resources for three key federal programs that help fund multimodal port-related infrastructure in
Maryland MTA crews complete light rail storm repairs
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) returned light rail to service from the Patapsco to Cromwell and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport stations on Aug. 17, three days ahead of schedule.
Canadian government to fund signal upgrades at Quebec crossing
The government of Canada, through its Rail Safety Improvement Program, is contributing CA$335,000 (US$255,043) to upgrade the signal system of a Quebec grade-crossing.