Murta named executive director of the Short Line Safety Institute
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has selected Thomas Murta as its executive director, effective July 10, 2017.
Class 1
AAR honors Andrew Paul of NS with Chafee Environmental Excellence Award
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) awarded the 2017 John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award to Andrew Paul from Norfolk Southern. The award recognizes a railroad employee who has demonstrated the highest level of environmental stewardship in the previous year.
Illinois Sens.: FASTLANE change could delay key rail projects
A pair of U.S. senators from Illinois say the restructuring of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program could delay progress on two key rail projects: the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project and Merchants Railroad Bridge Project.
USDOT rebrands FASTLANE grants as INFRA grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Federal Register for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.
Union Pacific implementing technology to monitor bridges
Union Pacific is incorporating “smart monitoring,” a technique the railroad says has the potential to revolutionize how the railroad’s 18,000 bridges are inspected.
Whirlpool Canada building at CN’s Calgary Logistics Park
Officials from Canadian National and Whirlpool Canada came together on June 28 to break ground on a new distribution center at the railroad’s Calgary Logistics Park in Rocky View County, AB.
Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board approves Six-Year Improvement Program
The Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the latest Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) for the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
Union Pacific to invest $2.5 million over two key projects in Wisconsin rail maintenance
Union Pacific is planning a $2.5 million infrastructure investment in Wisconsin this year as a part of its $3.1 billion 2017 capital program.
FONSI issued for Susquehanna River Bridge
A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued for the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project.
AAR pushes to preserve North American trading relationships
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) filed comments with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on June 12, detailing the importance of preserving North American trade relationships to freight railroads.
Union Pacific releases $14 million Minnesota infrastructure investment plan
As a part of its $3.1 billion 2017 capital program, Union Pacific says plans to invest $14 million in its Minnesota rail infrastructure.
Choice Terminal™ facility opens in N.C.
The Atlantic and Western Railway (ATW) announced the opening of a Choice Terminal™ bulk transload facility in Sanford, N.C.
Union Pacific to invest $22 million in two key projects in New Mexico rail maintenance
Union Pacific will invest $23 million of its allotted $3.1-billion 2017 capital program in its New Mexico rail infrastructure.
Administration aims to reduce environmental permitting process to two years
President Donald Trump joined U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine Chao and other infrastructure stakeholders at USDOT’s headquarters to close out Infrastructure Week and push the regulatory reform element of his infrastructure plan.
Union Pacific allots $55 million for track, $10 million for bridge maintenance in Iowa this year
Union Pacific plans to spend $68 million in Iowa rail this year to improve its infrastructure. The state-spending plan is part of the Class 1’s $3.1-billion 2017 capital program.
Union Pacific capital plan includes $24-million investment in Arizona rail infrastructure
Union Pacific announced plans to invest $24 million in its Arizona rail infrastructure as a part of its 2017 $3.1-billion 2017 capital program.
Canadian Pacific eyes “total transportation solutions” to create growth
Canadian Pacific is praising its sales and marketing team for generating new opportunities and driving growth by focusing on customer service and a willingness to identify and implement total transportation solutions.
HNTB adds two PTC experts to practice
HNTB Corporation has added two positive train control (PTC) experts “to assist transit and rail clients in moving toward compliance” of the 2018 implementation deadline.
Port of Vancouver USA close to wrapping up decade-long rail program
The Port of Vancouver USA has begun work on the final two projects in its decade-long initiative to bolster growth by investing in freight rail infrastructure.
Union Pacific capital plan includes $34.1-million investment in Idaho rail infrastructure
As a part of its $3.1-billion capital plan for 2017, Union Pacific says it will boost safety and efficiency in Idaho with a $34.1-million investment.