Mobile app giving first responders real-time dangerous goods info continues roll out

AskRail™, the mobile application developed as an added safety tool for first responders, continued its industry-wide roll out with a demonstration at BNSF‘s Chicago (Corwith) Intermodal Facility on June 8.

NS renames Bellevue yard in honor of Wick Moorman

Norfolk Southern is naming its largest freight train classification yard after Wick Moorman for his leadership in support of freight railroads and their investors, customers and employees.

Railway Interchange exhibits sell out

Railway Interchange 2015 host associations say they are gearing up for the biggest event to-date. With four months to go before the event, indoor and outdoor exhibition space is sold out and 60 percent of available hotel rooms have been reserved.

Jerome Marullo joins Simmons-Boardman Railway Division

Jerome Marullo has joined the Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corp. Railway Division as Eastern Regional Advertising Sales Manager, with responsibility for Railway Age, Railway Track & Structures and International Railway Journal. He replaces Mark Connolly, who retired on May 22, 2015 after nine years with the company.

USDOT: No policy change following release of technical reports on truck size and weight

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a series of technical reports on truck size and weight for peer review and public comment as a step toward the completion of the comprehensive study required in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

KCS to build SIT yard, expand classification yard in Louisiana

Kansas City Southern reached an agreement with Sasol Chemicals LLC for the construction and long-term lease of a storage-in-transit (SIT) rail yard to support Sasol’s new ethane cracker and derivatives project in Lake Charles, La. In addition to building the SIT yard for lease to Sasol, KCS will replace and expand its existing rail car classification yard in Mossville, La.

Metrolinx’s UP Express opens for service

Metrolinx‘s Union Pearson Express (UP Express) in Toronto opened to the public June 6 and offers a seamless airport-to-downtown connection. The trip between Union Station and Pearson International Airport, Canada’s two busiest transportation hubs, will take just 25 minutes and trains will depart every 15 minutes.

Union Pacific to spend $137 million in California to maintain track systems

Union Pacific plans to invest about $137 million in 2015 to improve its transportation infrastructure in California. The railroad says its multi-million dollar investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

UP invests $43 million in its rail infrastructure in Idaho

Union Pacific plans to invest about $43 million in 2015 to improve its rail infrastructure in Idaho. The railroad says this investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

UP invests $20 million in Southern Illinois

Union Pacific will strengthen Illinois’ transportation infrastructure investing more than $20 million in the rail line between Chester and Illinois/Missouri border. The project began May 25 and is scheduled to be completed mid-October.

CN to expand cold supply chain reefer capacity

Canadian National will invest CA$20-million (US$-16 million) in the expansion of its cold supply chain capacity to help producers and distributors of chilled or frozen foods grow their businesses in 20 North American and overseas markets.

Feinberg nominated as FRA administrator

On May 29, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Sarah Feinberg as administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Feinberg has been serving as acting administrator since January 9, 2015.

Union Pacific to perform $508 million in work among three states

Union Pacific released state investment plans for Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma that the railroad says will enhance community safety, as well as improve railroad efficiency.

STB releases FEIS for proposed Utah line

The Surface Transportation Board‘s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed construction and operation of a 43-mile rail line between Levan and Salina, Utah. Approval to construct and operate the line is being sought by the Six County Association of Governments’ (Six Counties), an association of local governments located in central Utah.

Union Pacific plans $82 million in Louisiana and Missouri improvements

Union Pacific will invest a combined $82 million in to projects in Louisiana and Missouri in 2015. These improvements are part of the railroad’s $4.2 billion capital investment for the year.

KCS to open Wylie terminal in July

Kansas City Southern says a tentative opening date of July 11, 2015, has been set for its new, state-of-the-art intermodal facility in Wylie, Texas.

KCS to increase Laredo Sub speeds following track improvements

Kansas City Southern will increase train speeds along its Laredo Subdivision from 49 to 59 mph. The subdivision runs from Laredo to Corpus Christi, Texas and the speed increase is possible due to recent track improvements.

UP outlines $13 million Nebraska tie and ballast project

Union Pacific will strengthen Nebraska’s transportation infrastructure investing more than $13 million in the rail line between Columbus and Grand Island. The project began May 21 and is scheduled to be completed the first week of August.

Heller and Booth assume additional responsibilities at Norfolk Southern

Jeffrey Heller and Cary Booth have assumed additional responsibilities in Norfolk Southern‘s intermodal department.

Port of Prince Rupert Road, Rail & Utility Corridor project complete

The Port of Prince Rupert has completed its CA$90-million (US$73 million) Road, Rail & Utility Corridor (RRUC), unlocking new terminal developments and market access for Canadian exporters.