NTSB takes over BNSF Texas derailment investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken control of the investigation into the June 28, 2016 accident between two BNSF intermodal trains near Panhandle, Texas.
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CN names Cory COO; Houle as CFO
Luc Jobin, incoming president and chief executive officer of Canadian National has appointed Mike Cory as executive vice-president and chief operating officer and Ghislain Houle as executive vice-president and chief financial officer, effective July 1, 2016.
Koppers signs rail joint contracts with Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific
Koppers Inc. has signed long-term contracts with Norfolk Southern (three years) and Union Pacific (five years) for bonded rail joint assemblies.
STB takes action against CSX to keep Elsdon Line crossings clear
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has ordered CSX to not allow a train to enter the Elsdon Line on the Chicago’s south side unless the line is clear. This ruling is effective immediately and is the result of legal action against CSX for repeatedly blocking grade crossings along the Elsdon railroad line in violation of federally imposed requirements.
Union Pacific plans tie replacement project in Montana
Union Pacific plans to invest $1.7 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructure in Montana, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
FRA’s preliminary report on Mosier derailment points to broken bolts as cause
A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) preliminary report of the June 3 Union Pacific oil train derailment near Mosier, Ore., found broken lag bolts that led to gauge widening to be the cause of the accident.
Meridian Speedway to receive tie, crossing and rail work
Meridian Speedway, LLC (MSLLC), a joint venture between Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Norfolk Southern (NS) for a 320-mile rail line between Meridian, Miss. and Shreveport, La., will invest approximately $28 million in 2016 on construction and improvement projects on its Vicksburg and Meridian Subdivisions.
Union Pacific plans $2.1 million investment in Wisconsin
Union Pacific plans to invest $2.1 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructure in Wisconsin, enhancing employee, community and customer safety and increasing rail operating efficiency.
Union Pacific plans $10 million investment in Minnesota infrastructure
Union Pacific plans to invest $9.9 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Minnesota, enhancing employee, community and customer safety and increasing rail operating efficiency.
Union Pacific plans $25.8M investment in Washington state, New Mexico
Union Pacific plans to invest $25.8 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructures in Washington state and New Mexico, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
ACE Construction Authority cuts ribbon on Nogales grade separation
Federal, state and local officials officially opened a six-lane roadway underpass at a once-hazardous and congested railroad crossing at Nogales Street north of the Pomona (60) Freeway in California.
GREX names Euston VP of engineering
Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) promoted its director of inspection technology, Todd Euston, to the position of vice president of engineering.
HNTB hires Choudri to direct national rail and transit business development
HNTB Corporation has hired Ian Choudri in the new position of national rail and transit business development director and senior vice president, where he will support the firm’s growth across the United States.
Union Pacific to invest $44.3M into Wyoming, Utah infrastructure
Union Pacific plans to invest $44.3 million to improve its infrastructure in Wyoming and Utah this year. The company says its multi-million dollar private investments will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
State, federal inspectors looking at Columbia River Gorge tracks
Inspectors from state and federal agencies in Oregon and Washington state are conducting track inspections along the Columbia River Gorge rail line this week between Vancouver and Pasco, Wash.
2016 annual grade crossing report
Whether they are made of concrete, wood, composite or rubber, grade-crossing surfaces are made to provide a smooth, safe surface for railroads and vehicles to traverse across.
Agreement reached to reconstruct the U.S.-Mexico Desert Line Railroad
An agreement has been reached to pay for the reconstruction and operation of the 70-mile Desert Line railway in southeastern San Diego County that connects Mexico maquiladoras to rail shipping in the United States.
Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont’s rail lines.
New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track
New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.
Across the US communities seek $9.3 billion in TIGER funding
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded.