Port of Tucson celebrates rail improvements
The Federal Railroad Administration, Pima County Arizona, the Port of Tucson and Union Pacific joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12, celebrating the expansion of the port’s rail infrastructure.
Author: Mischa Wanek-Libman
BNSF’s Fox plans retirement; Freeman named successor
Greg Fox, who has served as executive vice president, Operations at BNSF since November 2010, plans to retire and Dave Freeman will step into the position on June 1.
New leadership takes helm at voestalpine Nortrak
Ant Watson has stepped down as chief executive officer of voestalpine Nortrak Inc, headquartered in Richmond, BC, Canada, effective March 31, 2016.
Metro-North to design, purchase track geometry vehicle
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad said it will enter into a contract with Ensco Inc. to design, build and deliver a track inspection.
FEIS published for Twin Cities’ Southwest LRT project
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published the final environmental document on the Southwest Light-Rail Project, marking a major step closer to realization of the $1.79 billion project.
Pennsylvania commission approves funds for 31 rail projects
The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission approved $36 million for 31 rail projects across 34 counties.
BART to install noise-dampening equipment
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is taking steps to quiet one of its loudest stretches of track with the purchase of custom-made rail dampers.
Union Pacific targets $70-million in Kansas infrastructure improvements
Union Pacific plans to spend $70.9-million on its Kansas infrastructure in 2016 as part of its $3.675 billion capital program for the year.
Amtrak 188 anniversary: FRA calls for safety measures; NTSB sets meeting date for probable cause
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released the following statement from Administrator Sarah Feinberg on the one-year anniversary of the Amtrak 188 derailment. The passenger train derailed during the evening of May 12, 2015. Eight people died and more than 200 were injured.
FTA to WMATA: Here are the three priority locations for improvements
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sent a letter to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) calling for immediate repairs to three locations FTA deemed high risks for smoke and fire incidents on the Metrorail system.
Union Pacific plans to invest $78.6M into its home state
Union Pacific will spend $78.6 million improving its infrastructure in Nebraska this year. The planned spend is on top of the $200 million the railroad has invested in its infrastructure in the state between 2011 and 2015.
Hyperloop One marks successful test in Nevada
Hyperloop One, formerly Hyperloop Technologies, officially changed its name to coincide with the company’s successful propulsion open-air test of the high-speed transportation concept.
Groundbreaking ceremony held ahead of construction of RTD Southeast Rail Extension
A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 10 at the future Sky Ridge Station for Denver’s Southeast Rail Extension Project.
Ottensmeyer to become KCS CEO in July
Patrick J. Ottensmeyer will succeed David L. Starling as Kansas City Southern’s chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2016. Ottensmeyer will keep the title of president, a position he assumed on March 1, 2015.
OmniTRAX affiliate purchasing Heart of Texas Railroad
The Heart of Texas Railroad (HTR) is being acquired by a managed affiliate of OmniTRAX, Inc., an affiliate of The Broe Group.
NRC Project of the Year: Port of Long Beach, Pier E
Herzog Contracting Corp. and Reyes Construction worked to safely build a 345-acre intermodal yard that will help the Port of Long Beach increase capacity and cut air pollution.
Simplified Green Line Extension plan approved by MassDOT, MBTA FMCB
The planned Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX) has been approved to proceed in a simplified version following months of project re-evaluation.
Union Pacific plans $78M in work for Illinois infrastructure
Union Pacific has slated $78.8 million of its 2016 capital program to improve its Illinois rail network.
RailWorks hosts elected officials for tour of Minnesota facility
On May 6, Minnesota State Representative Jon Koznick and Lynda Boudreau, staff for U.S. Representative John Kline, joined GoRail and National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) shared member company – RailWorks Corporation – for a tour of its facility in Lakeville, Minn.
New WMATA safety plan immediately followed by FTA safety directive
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued an urgent safety directive to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) just one day after the agency released a plan aimed at improving safety and maintenance on its rail system.