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.

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.