Union Pacific plans increase in NW Iowa track speeds; consolidates Pocatello unit management
Union Pacific will increase the maximum track speed limit from 40 to 49 mph on the rail line paralleling Highway 60 in northwest Iowa next month.
Freight
CTC allocates $60 million to California rail projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $217 million to 72 projects in the state including more than $60 million for state rail projects.
Portageville Bridge construction begins
Bridge engineering firm Modjeski and Masters announced the start of steel construction on the main arch span of the Portageville Bridge across the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park in Portageville, New York.
BROWZ launched new SAAS aimed to help shortline rails reach FRA Part 219 compliance
BROWZ announced the launch of a new software service to assist shortline railroads and their contractors to become compliant and maintain compliance with new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Part 219 requirements.
FRA publishes quarterly PTC status update
The Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released a status update today on railroads’ progress implementing positive train control (PTC) systems in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts USDOT funds; TIGER, Amtrak long distance train funding gone
The Trump Administration released its proposed 2017 budget, which includes reducing funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation and eliminating Amtrak’s long distance train funding, as well as popular transportation grants.
SCPA breaks ground on second inland port
The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) broke ground March 10 on the Inland Port Dillon, which is slated to open in early 2018.
Railroads outpace all U.S. infrastructure in new report card
American railroads earned a grade of B for infrastructure while the rest of the U.S. sectors got a barely-passing D+ in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Tierney to succeed Batory at Conrail
Conrail’s Board of Directors has named Timothy Tierney president and chief operating officer, effective April 1. Tierney succeeds Ronald Batory, who is retiring after nearly 46 years in the railroad industry.
Metra seeks bids for next phase of bridge project
Metra is seeking bids for the next phase of the multi-year Union Pacific North bridge project, which will replace bridges over 11 streets on the North Side of Chicago, as well as construct the inbound half of the new Ravenswood Station.
Wisconsin awards loan for rail spur construction
ProVision Partners Co-op has been awarded a $1.7 million Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement (FRIIP) loan from Wisconsin to help build a rail spur as part of an expansion project.
LACMTA to evaluate proposal to turn Orange Line BRT to light rail
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has received an unsolicited proposal from Fluor Enterprises, Inc., to accelerate conversion of the Orange Line from bus rapid transit to light rail through a public-private partnership.
Railroad Day on Capitol Hill marks record attendance
A record number of rail industry participants came to Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2017 to take part in the 18th annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Harrison named CSX head; Ward to become consultant
CSX said March 6 that E. Hunter Harrison has been named CEO of the Class 1. Michael Ward, who was originally scheduled to retire from the top job at the end of May, will become a consultant to the railroad; both are effective immediately.
Georgia Ports Authority plans to reduce Garden City rail crossings
Representatives from Garden City, Chatham County and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) discussed a proposal that would reduce the use of grade crossings around GPA’s Garden City Terminal during a public meeting Feb. 28.
Bills to repeal MPO consolidation rule enter Congress
Legislation was introduced to both houses of Congress last week that would repeal a final U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) rule aimed at reforming areas where multiple Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) exist.
Brohm named EVP of PNR RailWorks, Inc.
RailWorks Corporation named John Brohm as executive vice president with responsibility for the Ontario operations of PNR RailWorks Inc., its Canadian subsidiary.
Railway worker notification system receives patent
A rail worker notification system that notifies maintenance workers, as well as train operators has been awarded a U.S. patent.
EDA grants $1.2 million to Mississippi rail spur project
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $1.2 million grant to the city of Newton, Mississippi, to help expand rail access to the Newton Industrial Park.
Reading & Northern names Clark as SVP Coal
Reading & Northern Railroad has named William Clark as senior vice president – Coal where he will be responsible for managing the anthracite coal business, as well as the railroad’s freight car fleet of more than 1,200 cars.