CN plans CA$2.5 billion capital program in 2017
Canadian National has planned a CA$2.5 billion (US$1.9 billion) capital program in 2017, down CA$25 million (US$19 million) from 2016.
Freight
GWI adds Heart of Georgia to its family of shortlines
The 219-mile Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG), Inc., will be under new ownership in the second quarter of 2017, following approval by the Surface Transportation Board.
Broken axle caused events resulting in fiery Casselton accident
A broken axle has been cited as the probable cause of a series of events that resulted in two derailed trains and close to 476,000 gallons of crude oil being spilling near Casselton, N.D.
Patriot Rail restructures commercial sales team
Patriot Rail Company, LLC (Patriot Rail), a shortline railroad and rail services company based in the U.S., has announced promotions in two key roles and an addition to the commercial sales team.
Biloxi eyes closing six crossings in order to build two
Biloxi, Miss., is considering the closure of six out of the city’s 29 crossings to accommodate road extensions and is working with CSX to identify the best options.
Union Pacific board approves $3.1 billion 2017 capital program
The Board of Directors of Union Pacific approved its $3.1 billion capital program for 2017.
Fuller to retire as GWI chairman; Hellmann to take role in May 2017
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) Chairman of the Board of Directors Mortimer B. Fuller III has announced his retirement effective following the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting this May.
New York awards $25 million to rail, port projects
The state of New York awarded $25 million in grants to 19 rail and port projects through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program.
KCS plans $25 million investment on Beaumont Subdivision in 2017
The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR), a subsidiary of Kansas City Southern (KCS), is investing $25 million into construction and improvement projects to upgrade its Beaumont Subdivision this year.
AAR estimates freight railroads will spend $22 billion on capital programs in 2017
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) estimates U.S. freight railroads will spend an estimated $22 billion in 2017 on capital programs.
Chao sworn in as Secretary of Transportation
Elaine Chao has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn in to serve as the 18th Secretary of Transportation.
Legislation to make 45G tax credit permanent re-enters House
A bill that would make the shortline maintenance tax credit permanent was introduced to the House of Representatives during the evening of Jan. 30.
Creel officially takes Canadian Pacific’s reigns
Keith Creel has assumed the role as president and chief executive officer of Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), becoming the 17th person to lead the company since 1881.
House T&I Committee to tackle what is needed from infrastructure at first hearing
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold its first hearing of the 115th Congress next week and will explore how and what to build in order to meet the needs of the 21st century.
Canadian Pacific, Parks Canada wrap up grizzly research initiative
Parks Canada and Canadian Pacific Railway have completed their Canada-CP Grizzly Bear Research Initiative and will now institute measures aimed at reducing railway related risks to grizzly bears.
Union Pacific employees mark 2016 as safest year on record
Union Pacific achieved its best annual employee-safety rate in 2016, improving on the record set in 2015 and making 2016 the safest year in the Class 1’s 154-year history.
Foothill Gold Line extension updates Glendora to Montclair workplan and schedule
The Foothill Gold Line light-rail extension from Glendora to Montclair will begin construction in October 2017 and take two years longer to complete according to a new schedule.
TranSystems names Maas SVP for freight rail and intermodal
TranSystems Corp. has appointed David Maas, PE, as the new senior vice president of its freight rail and intermodal sector.
NS elevates six to VP
Norfolk Southern on Jan. 24 named six people to new Vice President positions and duties, and announced the retirement of two long-time executives.
REMSA outlines advocacy priorities for 2017
The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) shared Jan. 24 its three advocacy priorities for 2017.