Union Pacific invests $59.3M in Utah network
Union Pacific (UP) has announced plans to spend an estimated $59.3 million on its Utah network in 2018 to improve safety, efficiency and customer service.
Freight
BNSF plans $230 million capital program for California
BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced a 2018 capital expenditure program for California valued at about $230 million.
Pennsylvania approves $32 million in funding for rail
The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission has approved $32 million in grants to 27 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain more than 400 jobs across Pennsylvania.
Loram hosts Sen. Klobuchar for facility tour; policy discussion
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), speaking just a few miles from where she grew up, told a crowd of Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., employees that the work they do is the backbone of where the country needs to go.
Norfolk Southern taps McClellan, Elkins for new roles
The Norfolk Southern (NS) board of directors has selected new roles for both Michael R. McClellan and Claude E. “Ed” Elkins, effective April 1.
Union Pacific invests $110.3M in Iowa, Oregon networks
Union Pacific (UP) has announced plans to spend an estimated $47 million on its Iowa network and about $63.3 million on its network in Oregon this year to improve safety, efficiency and customer service.
Plans for new NOLA intermodal hub
The Port of New Orleans has given its blessing, and more, for a plan to redevelop a defunct city shipyard into an intermodal terminal.
NTSB’s Sumwalt offers updates on rail at ‘Most Wanted’ midpoint
Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), offered insight on the status of important rail safety changes at the midpoint of the Most Wanted List 2017–2018 cycle in a March 26 blog post.
UP lands ONE contract
Ocean Network Express Pte. LTD (ONE) and Ocean Network Express North America have selected Union Pacific to handle all intermodal shipments arriving on ONE container ships at U.S. West Coast ports beginning April 1, 2018.
Omnibus FY18: A little bit of good news for a lot of the rail industry
Congress passed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill on Thursday, March 22. The president signed the legislation (even though his Twitter activity suggested otherwise) to avoid a government shutdown, but noted his displeasure saying there were elements of the legislation he was not happy about.
Aadnesen retires from GREX
Chris Aadnesen is retiring as Executive Chairman of the Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) board of directors, following a long and distinguished railroad industry career, including 15 years at GREX.
Begeman named permanent STB chairman
Ann Dawn Begeman was designated permanent chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) March 19 by President Trump. She has been acting chairman since January 2017.
FRA holding PTC meetings with railroads, suppliers
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) leadership is stepping up its role in the journey toward positive train control (PTC) implementation by meeting with railroad and supply representatives to ensure progress is being made.
Union Pacific Louisiana network to receive $87 million investment
Union Pacific will spend an estimated $87 million on its Louisiana network this year to enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
CSX names Angela C. Williams vice president and corporate controller
CSX Corporation (CSX) has appointed Angela Williams as its new vice president and controller as successor to Andrew Glassman.
Pacific Harbor Line marks 20th anniversary
The Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of railroad services in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles area.
DEIR released for LACMTA turnback facility
A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been released for a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LACMTA) project that will speed the turnaround time Red and Purple line trains need at Union Station, which will allow more of these trains along the lines.
Latest safety stats a mixed bag with crossing, trespassing incidents up
Recently released statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reveal a mixed safety story for the rail industry with 2017 marking the lowest rate of track-caused and human factor-caused accidents ever, but the year also saw an increase in crossing incidents and in trespassing casualties.
Virginia DRPT, CSX agreement to help progress Potomac Shores train station development
The final design of a new Virginia Railway Express (VRE) train station is making progress, following the recently completed final contract amendment between the Virginia Department of Rail Public Transportation (DRPT) and CSX Transportation (CSX).
Union Pacific targets $85 million capital program for Wyoming
Union Pacific (UP) has announced plans to invest $85 million in Wyoming’s transportation infrastructure in 2018.