Was it a washout? NTSB releases prelim CSX derailment report

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a preliminary report on the May 19, 2018, derailment of a CSX train near Alexandria, Va.

AAR takes freight rail message to mayors

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) issued a letter to mayors across the United States on June 8 pointing out the merits of the freight railroad industry to those who are at the front lines of local public policy decisions.

CN plans yard expansion, maintenance in Manitoba during 2018

Canadian National (CN) plans to invest approximately CA$130 million (US$100 million) in Manitoba, Canada, this year.

 

CSX announces bids on six rail segments

CSX Corporation (CSX) announced this week that the company is soliciting bids on six rail segments.

 

FRA to hold three symposia to discuss PTC

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will hold three symposia in Washington, D.C., throughout the summer to answer questions and address best practices surrounding the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).

INFRA grants: $148M to CREATE and Ohio rail projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recommended 26 projects to be awarded a total of $1.54 billion in federal funds as part of the FY18 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. USDOT had up to $1.56 billion available for grants.

CN plans to invest CA$340M in B.C. infrastructure

Canadian National (CN) has announced plans to invest about CA$340 million (US$263 million) across British Columbia this year to grow and strengthen the railroad’s network in the province.

 

NCDOT stages crossing accident to educate drivers on risks

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division’s BeRailSafe program, in partnership with N.C. Operation Lifesaver, conducted a staged train crash May 30 in Star, N.C.

CSX names Schwichtenberg chief safety officer

James Schwichtenberg has joined CSX as vice president and chief safety officer, effective immediately.

Union Pacific releases 2017 sustainability report

Union Pacific (UP) has released its 2017 Building America Report, the railroad’s ninth installment of its yearly sustainability report.

 

CSX to undertake safety assessment

CSX Corporation (CSX) has tapped DEKRA, Inc., to complete a safety assessment as part of the Class 1’s efforts to boost safety for employees, customers and the communities in which it operates.

 

Schenck Process launches new rail scale system

Schenck Process is offering an online rail scale system it says saves time and improves productivity.

 

Two unions issue strike notice after rejecting CP contract offer

Two unions have informed Canadian Pacific (CP) of plans to initiate a strike beginning at 10 p.m. Eastern time on May 29.

 

NS joins BiTA

Add Norfolk Southern to the growing list of railroads that have joined the Blockchain in Transport Alliance.

 

Huron Central will cease operations by end of the year

Operations will cease by the end of 2018 along the Huron Central Railway (HCRY), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Canada Inc., which cites a lack of provincial funding needed to maintain service.

KCS makes new appointments in three departments

Kansas City Southern (KCS) has announced organizational changes with three new appointments, all of which are effective immediately.

 

AAPA member survey highlights $20 billion in rail access needs

A recent survey by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) found members identified a need in excess of $20 billion during the next decade for multimodal port and rail access, but cited “funding/financing options” as the biggest hurdle.

FRA: We’ve got PTC funds available. Act now!

The Federal Railroad Administration on May 15 issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $250 million in Positive Train Control (PTC) Systems Grants.

 

AAR’s Hamberger to retire in early 2019

Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), has announced his upcoming retirement from the organization in early 2019.

 

Canada will help fund grade separation project in Edmonton

The government of Canada will cover nearly half the costs of a street and safety project in Edmonton, Alberta, which will grade separate the top priority crossing in the city.

Canada will fund CA$39.8 million (US$31.1 million) for the 50th Street Widening Project, which will ease traffic congestion and improve safety along the corridor between 76th and 90th Avenue. The city says 50 Street provides access to adjacent developing industrial areas and functions as a major north-south commuter and goods movement corridor.

The improvements to the railway crossing at 50th Street and the Canadian Pacific Railway line will include a new underpass beneath the existing railway crossing north of the Sherwood Park Freeway; two new traffic lanes on 50th Street, increasing the total number of lanes from four to six; the realignment and reconstruction of the intersection at 82 Avenue and 50th Street to maintain important connections between local residential neighborhoods and commercial developments and new sidewalks and shared use paths along 50th Street.

“The CP rail tracks on 50th Street have been a long source of frustration for commuters in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region,” said Alberta’s Minister of Transportation Brian Mason. “We know traffic delays are frustrating and expensive. That’s why we are making this investment to get traffic moving safely and efficiently.”

This federal funding is provided through the National Trade Corridors Fund. The province of Alberta has agreed to fund up to CA$28.3 million (US$22.1 million) and the city of Edmonton will cover the balance of the CA$87.5 million (US$68.4 million).

“The funding commitments from both the government of Canada and the province signal that they are hearing the needs of Edmontonians,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “We can now move forward with this welcomed project that will help commuters and our local economy as we move goods and services more efficiently throughout our city.”

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