MBTA kicks off Ruggles Station improvement project
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) began a $38.5-million improvement project at Ruggles Orange Line and Commuter Rail Station on Aug. 22.
Freight
NS bridge inspection “drones” on
Norfolk Southern has one of the most comprehensive drone-based railroad bridge inspection programs in the nation, recently surpassing more than 100,000 linear feet.
NCDOT looking to improve CSX tracks in two counties
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold an informal public meeting on Aug. 31 regarding a proposal to improve sections of CSX tracks in Scotland and Bladen counties.
NY, NJ senators ask USDOT to reconsider sleep apnea testing mandate
New York and New Jersey’s senatorial delegation are asking the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to reconsider a rule that would require sleep apnea testing of rail workers and commercial truck drivers.
Port Freeport breaks ground on rail project
Port Freeport in Texas held a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 18 for Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development project.
Caltrans publishes report on rail’s economic impact on state
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) released a research report that details the impact freight and passenger rail operations have on the state economy.
CN taps Barletta chief of staff as government affairs director
Andrea Waldock Niethold, former chief of staff to Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), has been named the director of government affairs for Canadian National.
Hanson acquires Engineered Rail Solutions
Hanson Professional Services Inc. has acquired Engineered Rail Solutions (ERS) LLC.
Stantec names Raske senior railway engineer
Global design firm Stantec has added Ryan Raske to its team as senior railway engineer in St. Paul, Minn.
Presidential Executive Order to streamline permitting process
A newly signed presidential Executive Order aims to reduce the time it takes projects to move through the federal permitting and review processes.
Union Pacific ramps up rail safety with video campaign
Union Pacific is encouraging safety at railroad tracks with its interactive public safety campaign. The Class 1 released the campaign on Facebook, YouTube, Hulu and other online news sites so it could be easily shared.
Al-Qaeda calls for U.S. rail and transit attacks
The latest issue of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s (AQAP) magazine, Inspire, calls for attacks on U.S. railways and transit systems and goes as far as including many steps to help carry out acts of terror.
AAR, GoRail recognize Rep. DeFazio with Railroad Achievement Award
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) was honored Aug. 14 with the Railroad Achievement Award by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and GoRail.
NS Board appoints Earhart executive vice president and chief financial officer
Following what it called a “comprehensive search process,” Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) appointed Cynthia C. Earhart as executive vice president and chief financial officer.
CP launches direct Vancouver-Detroit service
Canadian Pacific Railway announced the launch of direct rail service between Vancouver and Detroit.
Eglinton Crosstown LRT installs first piece of track
The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project installed the first piece of track at the Maintenance and Storage Facility marking another milestone toward bringing the project online by 2021.
Cross border bridge between U.S. and Mexico to be rehabbed
A recently recommended federal transportation grant isn’t simply helping to perform work on a shortline in Texas, it’s helping repair a key cross border link between the U.S. and Mexico.
CTDOT selects Cianbro-Middlesex JV for two Walk Bridge Program projects
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has selected Cianbro-Middlesex Joint Venture for the CP243 Interlocking and Danbury Branch Dockyard projects in Norwalk.
Rep. Carter tours Temple & Central Rwy.
Shortline railroads continue to emphasize their role as a critical economic link and job provider in events with elected representatives.
SLSI completes safety culture assessment
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) will develop training and education efforts to address and enhance railroad safety culture following the completion of a systematic review of Safety Culture Assessments.