WSOR to replace bridge with state funds
Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) was awarded a $4.5-million grant from the state of Wisconsin last week to rebuild a bridge near Wauzeka in Crawford County.
Freight
EDA grant to improve rail access to Iowa industrial park
The city of Davenport, Iowa, has received a federal grant to improve rail access to an industrial park and manufacturing facility.
CP orders new track evaluation car from ENSCO Rail
Canadian Pacific (CP) awarded a contract to ENSCO Rail to provide inspection systems for a new track evaluation car.
Parsons to lead “next generation” at IAIS
Joseph Parsons will take on the newly-created title of general manager at the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), effective Nov. 3, concurrent with the retirement of Jerome Lipka from the position of president. Al Satunas was named chief operating officer and will report to Parsons.
Transport Canada to incorporate rail condition data into future inspections
Transport Canada will incorporate rail surface condition data into its inspection cycles; following a recommendation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
Three of Anacostia’s shortline railroads organize safety training for first responders
A trio of shortline railroads, affiliates of Anacostia Rail Holdings Company, helped train responders at four locations in two states on railroad safety and emergency response techniques.
Howard Street Tunnel expansion plans implode
Plans to expand the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore came to a halt as CSX has decided not to pursue the project.
Congressional committees finalize 2017 small FASTLANE grants
All projects recommended by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for grants as part of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) program have been approved by Congress.
NCRR names Walters as chairman of the board
Michael Walters has been elected to be chairman of the North Carolina Railroad Company’s (NCRR) Board of Directors.
SNC-Lavalin acquires asset management firm
SNC-Lavalin has acquired Data Transfer Solutions LLC (DTS) for $45 million. The company says the acquisition will add to the capabilities of SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins sector and will enhance service offerings in digital asset management for clients.
Port of South Louisiana commits to rail project
Dow St. Charles will be able to utilize rail as a shipping method thanks to a $9.5-million commitment from the Port of South Louisiana to build a rail link.
Granite awarded Sound Transit OMF East sub contract
Granite Construction Incorporated has been awarded a sub contract by Hensel Phelps for the Operations & Maintenance Facility East (OMF East) project in Bellevue, Wash.
CN, NS reengineer Chicago connection to save transit times
An agreement between Canadian National (CN) and Norfolk Southern Corporation that allows the Class 1s to bypass Chicago is saving up to 48 hours in transit time.
O.C. Bridges program wraps up with final two grade separations
A five-year, $663-million program to build seven bridges and underpasses to separate vehicle, pedestrian and freight rail traffic in Anaheim, Fullerton and Placentia, Calif., is now complete.
Pilot program allows testing of UAS outside of FAA regs
A pilot program to advance the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will partner the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and local jurisdictions in developing rules that will allow broader testing.
Stotter new chief at North Shore RR
North Railroad Railroad Co. & Affiliates has promoted Jebediah Stotter to president and chief executive officer, succeeding chairman Gary Shields, who has retired.
Changes at the top for CSX
Three top CSX executives will be leaving the railroad on Nov. 15—Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cindy M. Sanborn; Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fredrik J. Eliasson; and Executive Vice President Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Ellen M. Fitzsimmons. Sanborn and Eliasson are resigning “to pursue other interests.” Fitzsimmons is retiring. All “will remain engaged in supporting the transition until early 2018,” CSX said.
PANYNJ invests $1B in recovery following Superstorm Sandy
Five years after Superstorm Sandy caused flooding and devastation to Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) facilities, the agency announced that it has invested nearly $1 billion to date to recover, protect and rebuild in the storm’s aftermath.
Farmrail named BNSF Shortline of the Year; MNN earns special recognition
BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) citing a commitment to growth and teamwork, named Farmrail System its 2017 Shortline of the Year at its annual Shortline Conference.
TRAM celebrates 35th anniversary
Staff of U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and of Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin joined TRAM Construction to celebrate company’s 35th anniversary.