USDOT reflects on 2015 research efforts
In a Fastlane blog post Dec. 31, Greg Winfree, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) assistant secretary for research and technology, recapped 2015’s research endeavors.
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TranSystems welcomes Alex Houseal, PE
TranSystems has named Alex Houseal regional vice president for the Pennsylvania and New Jersey operations.
Union Pacific named to Victory Media’s 2016 Military Friendly Employers List
Union Pacific earned the Military Friendly Employer designation from Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, ranking sixth among the top 100.
BNSF moves cargo from one of the world’s largest container ships
The largest container ship ever to call at a North American port, CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, arrived at the Port of Los Angeles on Saturday, December 26.
TSB points to inadequate track conditions as reason for Faust, Alberta derailment
In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that inadequate track conditions led to the June 2014 derailment of a Canadian National freight train near Faust, Alberta, Canada.
NS to idle Ashtabula coal pier
Norfolk Southern plans to consolidate operations of its coal docks located on Lake Erie in Northern Ohio, which will streamline operations for customers while improving network efficiency and reducing operating costs for NS.
TriMet close to completion on MAX crossing safety enhancements
This week in Portland, Ore., final installation of safety enhancements began at TriMet‘s MAX Orange Line crossings at SE 11th Ave.
B&P Tunnel DEIS released
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Amtrak and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the B&P Tunnel Project Dec. 18.
Omnibus bill extends shortline tax credit, funds TIGER and safety grants
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed a monster spending bill late last week, which will keep federal agencies funded through the end of September 2016.
NRC awards 2015 Field Employee and Rail Construction Project of the Year
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) selected the winners of its 2015 Field Employee of the Year and Project of the Year awards, which will be recognized at the 2016 NRC Conference in San Diego, Calif.
CTC allocates more than $96 million for California rail projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has adopted 27 projects, valued at nearly $154 million, that it says will support needed upkeep on California’s aging roads and bridges, alleviate traffic delays and encourage use of alternative forms of transportation, including biking, walking and transit. CTC has allocated more than $96 million for rail projects alone.
House passes S. 808; next stop: the President
The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 10, 2015 passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015, which among other provisions, will increase the number of STB members from three to five, improving STB’s structure and decision-making processes by allowing, with proper disclosure, board members to speak with one another about cases on which the STB is ruling.
Arizona Corporation Commission green lights grade separation project
The Arizona Corporation Commission approved an upgrade to a public railroad crossing at U.S. 60 and Bell in Surprise, Ariz. The application approves BNSF to remove the existing at-grade crossing and the construction of a new grade-separated crossing.
Minnesota state lawmakers tour proposed grade-separation site in need of funding
Members of Minnesota’s State Senate Capital Investment Committee joined leaders from Anoka County and the city of Coon Rapids to hear more about the need for a railroad overpass at Hanson Blvd. during a recent statewide bonding tour.
NCDOT, UNC Charlotte looking into railroad education offerings
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division is collaborating with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) on a rail workforce assessment study.
DRPT appoints new chief of rail transportation
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has named Peter Burrus chief of rail transportation, a newly created position.
CP sweetens deals; NS says “no” again
Canadian Pacific’s pursuit of Norfolk Southern has taken on the tone of a rough-and-tumble yet well-intentioned star athlete pulling out all the stops to capture the heart of his dream woman, a relationship-shy political science major who continues to resist her suitor’s advances with perfectly logical yet unemotional reasons why the two aren’t right for each other.
Jacobs Engineering acquires J.L. Patterson
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. completed its acquisition of J.L. Patterson & Associates (JLP), headquartered in Orange, Calif.
CSX breaks ground on Pittsburgh intermodal terminal
CSX joined Allegheny County officials, local and state partners and members of the Stowe Township and McKees Rocks communities in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Dec. 4, to formally celebrate the construction of the Pittsburgh Intermodal Rail Terminal.
NS to CP: Proposed merger “a poor combination”
Refuting practically every purported benefit that Canadian Pacific has given, and citing substantial regulatory risks and uncertainties as well as many other negatives, Norfolk Southern on Dec. 4, 2015 loudly and firmly rejected CP’s proposal to merge the two railroads into a transcontinental.