BNSF‘s 2016 capital expenditure program in Washington state will be nearly $220 million. This year’s plan is focused on maintenance projects that help operate a safe and reliable network and will bring capital investments more in line with forecasted customer freight service demand.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has called on state departments of transportation to verify that railroad crossing warning systems interconnected to traffic lights function properly and urged states to add event recorders to traffic lights connected to railroad crossing systems so information obtained during inspections can be used to improve safety. Across the United States, there are nearly 5,000 railroad crossings interconnected with traffic lights.
Kansas City Southern identified the International Rail Bridge at Laredo/Nuevo Laredo as an opportunity to improve operational efficiency and a candidate for the Business Process Improvement (BPI) Program in 2015.
Andrew Lindsay Lewis Jr., who served as Union Pacific Railroad chairman and chief executive officer from April 1986 to April 1987 and as Union Pacific Corporation president and chief executive officer from 1987 to 1997, passed away Feb. 10, at age 84.
HNTB Corporation’s promoted nine in its New York and New Jersey offices and added a new hire in its North Carolina office.
Eurovia has finalized the acquisition of Canadian rail contractor Rail Cantech.
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has appointed Rick Ebersold, president of Herzog Services, Inc., to fill a temporarily open seat on the NRC Board of Directors. The NRC Board unanimously supported the nomination made by Chairman of the Board Chris Daloisio.
Canadian National‘s 2016 capital plan includes an investment of approximately CA$2.9 billion (US$2.07 billion) in rail infrastructure and equipment to raise network efficiency, support long-term growth and further strengthen safety. The railroad is the only North American Class 1 to increased its spend over 2015, which for CN was CA$2.8 billion (US$2.06 billion.)
Union Pacific reports that in 2015 it reduced railroad-crossing accidents by three percent with a 2.28, which is the total number of Federal Railroad Administration reportable grade crossing accidents per million train miles.
On February 5, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-06) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association member company Progress Rail Services for a tour of its locomotive and rail car services facility in Roanoke, Va.
The Union Pacific Board of Directors approved the company’s 2016 capital plan of approximately $3.75 billion, down about $550 million versus 2015. The plan includes $375 million to further implement Positive Train Control.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and local elected officials visited the site of a proposed $42-million grade-separation project in Moorhead.
The Arizona Corporation Commission approved an upgrade to a busy Tucson Union Pacific railroad crossing that will improve safety and traffic flow.
Norfolk Southern has a planned capital improvement budget of $2.1 billion in 2016, which is $300 million less than its record $2.4 billion capital plan in 2015.
BNSF Railway released plans for a $4.3 billion 2016 capital expenditure program focuses on helping to ensure the company continues to operate a safe and reliable network this year and beyond.
Norfolk Southern has made a strategic plan designed to streamline operations and drive profitability and growth. The railroad’s projected expense reduction and disciplined cost control initiatives are in the categories of compensation and benefits, purchased services and rents, materials and fuel.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.
Canadian Pacific has appointed Matthew Paull to the CP Board of Directors effective immediately, replacing Paul Hilal, who has resigned from the board.
Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) are conducting a tour to examine new ideas for intercity passenger rail by operating an inspection train from New Orleans, La., to Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 18 and 19.
Kansas City Southern estimates its 2016 capital program will be between $580-590 million, which represents an approximate 10 percent decline from its $649 million program in 2015.