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.

Union Pacific names Rhonda Ferguson executive vice president and chief legal officer

Union Pacific has named Rhonda Ferguson executive vice president and chief legal officer, effective July 11.

Mongeau steps down

Citing health reasons, CN President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau will step down on June 30, 2016. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Luc Jobin will succeed him.

Union Pacific Nevada program includes rail, tie replacements

Union Pacific plans to spend $33.7 million on improvements to its Nevada infrastructure in 2016. This year’s investment is on top of the $180 million UP spent in the state from 2011-2015.

CN seeking input from municipalities for corridor risk assessments

Canadian National is encouraging communities to submit input for corridor risk assessments along rail routes carrying significant amounts of dangerous goods.

Union Pacific targets $70.4 million of work in Idaho, Oregon

Union Pacific plans to invest $70.4 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Idaho and Oregon, which the railroad says will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

FRA issues new rules to protect M/W workers, expands drug testing

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued two final rules to better protect railroad employees working on or near railroad tracks.

Union Pacific details 37.5 million Iowa state investment plan

Union Pacific plans to invest $37.5 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Iowa, which the railroad says will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

Union Pacific’s Arizona state plan includes more than 200K crossties

Union Pacific plans to invest $37.7 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Arizona, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

Protran Technology awarded contract for COMPASS system

Protran Technology has secured its first key order from a major U.S. Class 1 railroad for its COMPASS™ railway asset location and awareness system.

Watco subsidiary to begin service in Ohio, West Virginia

The Kanawha River Railroad (KNWA), a subsidiary of Watco Transportation Services, LLC (WTS) has reached a definitive agreement with Norfolk Southern to lease and increase operations on 309 miles of rail line in Ohio and West Virginia.

Union Pacific’s Missouri program targets $54M in work

Union Pacific plans to invest $54 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Missouri, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

Union Pacific plans track, bridge upgrades in Louisiana

Union Pacific plans to invest $58 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Louisiana. The multi-million dollar investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

CSX realigns senior leadership team

CSX made a number of senior management changes, following the retirement of Lisa Mancini, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, effective July 1, following nearly 13 years of service.

Mancini joined CSX in 2003 and is a member of the chairman’s executive management team, with responsibility for people functions, procurement and real estate.

“We thank Lisa for her many contributions to CSX’s people and success. We wish her the very best in her retirement,” said Michael Ward, chairman and chief executive officer.

The company is realigning the senior team to advance its vision for the workforce,
service, productivity and technology of the future. Cressie Brown, currently vice president-labor relations, will become senior vice president and chief administrative officer and Kathleen Brandt, currently head of the company’s information technology subsidiary, will become senior vice president and chief information officer. Both moves will be effective July 1 and both leaders will join the executive management team, reporting directly to Ward.

Brandt joined CSX in 1985 and rose through the information technology organization, becoming its leader. She has succeeded in key roles in organizational strategy and capital planning and has ideal skills to lead CSX teams in accelerating deployment of automation, analytics and systems to contribute to next-generation safety, service and efficiency.

Brown, who joined CSX in 1988, held leadership roles in critical operational and support functions including technology, finance, service design and customer service before her most recent appointment as vice president-labor relations. With these roles, Brown has gained deep and broad organizational expertise. She understands the vital role of CSX’s people in shaping the company’s future and is committed to their continued development and success.

Additionally, Zachery Jones has been appointed vice president-labor relations to succeed Brown. Jones, who previously was with the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C., joined CSX in 2010 and is currently assistant vice president-employee services. In that role, he has been closely involved in positively addressing workforce issues and improving employee engagement.

“These promotions underscore the importance of continuing to develop our highly skilled and committed employees, while accelerating CSX’s next-generation technologies and performance in safety, service and efficiency,” Ward said.

 

FASTLANE grant applications request $9.8 billion

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has received 212 applications totaling nearly $9.8 billion for grants through the newly created Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program.

Union Pacific plans $70.9M worth of work in Colorado

Union Pacific plans to invest $70.9 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructure in Colorado, which is expected to enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.

Metra resumes BNSF extension plans; seeks $3M for PTC

Chicago’s Metra is resuming work on engineering and environmental studies to extend the BNSF Line past Aurora in Kendall County, after local officials said they strongly supported the planning work despite the challenges of securing funding to build and operate the extension.

Tulsa Port of Catoosa completes $11M dock renovation

Tulsa is primed to expand shipping capacity as the Panama Canal expansion nears completion with newly renovated dock and rail facilities.

Port of Tucson celebrates rail improvements

The Federal Railroad Administration, Pima County Arizona, the Port of Tucson and Union Pacific joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12, celebrating the expansion of the port’s rail infrastructure.

BNSF’s Fox plans retirement; Freeman named successor

Greg Fox, who has served as executive vice president, Operations at BNSF since November 2010, plans to retire and Dave Freeman will step into the position on June 1.

LOAD MORE