UIUC opens RAIL to advance better track designs
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its Research and Innovation Laboratory (RAIL) located at the Harry Schnabel, Jr., Lab.
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SEPTA West Trenton passenger service to separate from CSX freight operations
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) will finalize separation of its West Trenton Regional Rail Line from a CSX freight line.
WSDOT resumes landslide mitigation work along Everett and Mukilteo rail lines
This week in Washington state, crews will start landslide mitigation work near Mukilteo and Everett to help limit landslides that disrupt passenger train service north of Seattle.
Pennsylvania oil train safety report makes 27 recommendations
A report commissioned by Pennsylvania and written by Dr. Allan Zarembski evaluates the commonwealth’s freight rail system and makes 27 recommendations to improve the safety of oil by train.
CN’s Luc Jobin to steer railroad so Mongeau can focus on health
Canadian National‘s Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer, will soon undergo surgery to remove a rare type of precancerous soft-tissue tumour located in the upper left part of his larynx.
Engineers share views on 2015 trends
For North American railroad engineering departments, safety is the top feature required in a piece of equipment, while dealing with tight work windows is a shared issue across both freight and passenger operations.
First U.S.-Mexico rail bridge in more than a century is now operational
The West Rail Bridge, the first rail bridge connecting U.S. and Mexico in more than 100 years, became operational August 7.
ACE provides grade separation updates
Legislators voiced support for the Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) rail-roadway grade-separation projects during a progress update briefing, which focused on six projects in construction or final design and located in the cities of San Gabriel, Industry and Pico Rivera and unincorporated Los Angeles County, including Rowland Heights.
One of nation’s “most dangerous” crossings gets safer
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-9), New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Jamie Fox and New Jersey Transit Executive Director Ronnie Hakim unveiled safety improvements made to Midland Avenue railroad crossing in Elmwood Park Aug 3. The crossing was labeled as one of the nation’s most dangerous in a New York Times article in February.
Norfolk Southern EVP and CIO Deb Butler to retire
Deborah H. Butler, executive vice president planning and chief information officer of Norfolk Southern, will retire Oct. 1, 2015.
UP to complete $13.5 million in Wyoming trackwork by mid-September
Union Pacific plans to strengthen its infrastructure in Wyoming by investing $13.5 million in its line between Laramie and near Hanna. The project began July 16 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-September.
USDOT: Substantial demand underscores need for TIGER grants
Applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s seventh round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants totaled $9.8 billion, almost 20 times the $500 million set aside for the program, demonstrating the continued need for transportation investment nationwide.
Union Pacific elects Lance Fritz chairman of the board; places executives in new roles
Union Pacific‘s board of directors elected Lance Fritz chairman, president and chief executive officer, effective October 1.
KCS opens new terminal in Texas
Kansas City Southern (KCS) celebrated the dedication of its new intermodal terminal in Wylie, Texas, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local public officials July 30. After 12 months of construction, the more than $64 million terminal opened for operations on July 13.
Union Pacific to complete $10 million in Kansas track work by mid-August
Union Pacific will strengthen its Kansas’ infrastructure by investing more than $10 million in the rail line between near Delia and near Onaga. The project began July 24 and is scheduled to be completed in mid-August.
NS joins Operation Lifesaver for safety tour across the Carolinas
Norfolk Southern brings its Whistle-Stop Safety Train to the Carolinas this week to remind motorists and pedestrians to be safe and alert when around railroad tracks and trains.
Two crossing projects receive Asia-Pacific Gateway infrastructure funds
Transport Canada has made an investment of approximately CA$16.5 million (US$12.6 million) for nine Asia-Pacific Gateway transportation infrastructure projects in British Columbia that support Asia-Pacific trade and boost the competitive advantages of Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway, of which two are railroad crossing projects.
Georgia to build inland port to be served by CSX
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), Murray County and CSX signed a Memorandum of Agreement to establish the Appalachian Regional Port in Chatsworth. Its service area will include North Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and parts of Kentucky.
Union Pacific safety outreach results in 11 percent improvement in public safety rate
Union Pacific says its persistent community safety outreach efforts are driving down incidents at grade crossings in communities across the company’s 23-state rail network.