STB Approves Transaction That Creates New CPKC-CSX Class I Connection Linking Mexico, Texas and the U.S. Southeast

CALGARY, Alberta and JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Corporation (CSX) and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) today said the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved CSX’s and CPKC’s respective applications regarding their acquisition of the rail lines operated by G&W’s Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR), which will result in the creation of a new direct CPKC-CSX interchange connection in Alabama.

BNSF Crews in Minnesota Solve Another Dam Problem

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – From BNSF’s Rail Talk, Susan Green writes about BNSF’s solution to a roadbed drainage issue.

Canadian Federal Court of Appeal Gives Green Light to Toronto Intermodal Hub

TORONTO –– Canadian National has won approval from a Federal Court of Appeal to proceed with the construction of a large intermodal hub.

SMART-MD Members Ratify Agreements with BNSF, CSX, and Norfolk Southern

ATLANTA –– SMART-MD has ratified agreements with BNSF, CSX, and NS.

Watco Tests Composite Ties

PITTSBURG, Kan. Watco announced in its recent employee magazine, The Dispatch, that it is conducting a series of tests on composite ties at several locations.

Bridge Issue on Norfolk Southern Mainline Suspends Amtrak Crescent Service South of Atlanta

ATLANTA –– A bridge issue on the NS mainline has suspended Amtrak Crescent service south of Atlanta through at least today (Thurs., 10/3.)

California Governor Gives State More Control in Addressing Issues on LOSSAN Corridor

SACRAMENTO –– The ongoing challenges with the LOSSAN Corridor, the 351-mile stretch of railroad running from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, are going to see increased attention from the state’s Secretary of Transportation.

Dockworkers Are On Strike, Threatening Movement of Goods Through Major U.S. Ports

ATLANTA — Dockworkers at major ports along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States went on strike at Midnight Tuesday, October 1.

CSX and Norfolk Southern Each Donate $100,000 to Red Cross Relief Efforts

JACKSONVILLE & ATLANTA –– CSX and Norfolk Southern have each donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts needed in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Storm Helene Impacts on Infrastructure: CSX, Norfolk Southern (UPDATED 10/3)

ATLANTA – Class Is CSX and Norfolk Southern give service bulletin updates on the status of rail infrastructure throughout the southeast after Hurricane Helene made landfall.

Norfolk Southern Names Brian Barr Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer

ATLANTA –– PRN NewsWire reported that Norfolk Southern Corporation has named Brian Barr as Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer. In this role, Barr will lead mechanical operations across the company’s 22-state network, reporting to Chief Operating Officer John Orr.

Jeffrey Watson Presented With RT&S ‘Engineer of the Year’ Award at AREMA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –– Jeffrey Watson was presented with the Railway Track & Structures 2024 Engineer of the Year Award at the annual AREMA meeting last week. RT&S Editor David C. Lester presented Watson with the award during the opening of the General Session on Monday, Sept. 16.

$1M Grant and $750K Loan Approved for CCET Project

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Rail Development Commission approved a $1 million grant and a $750,000 loan to Regional Rail, LLC for the Cincinnati Eastern Railroad (CCET).

NS Fires Shaw, Nag; Names George CEO (Updated with Commentary and Analysis)

ATLANTA –– Less than a week after a still-unknown person or persons at Norfolk Southern contacted CNBC and other media outlets alleging that President and CEO Alan H. Shaw was engaging in an “inappropriate workplace relationship” with another employee—setting off an internal investigation—the NS Board of Directors fired him and the company’s Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Nabanita C. Nag.

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

ASLRRA Calls for Congress to Modernize 45G Tax Credit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) commended Senators Ron Wyden and Mike Carp and Representatives Mike Kelly and Earl Blumenauer for introducing S. 5008 and H.R. 9522.

Railroads Preparing for and Dealing With Tropical Storm Francine

ATLANTA –– Three Class I railroads have issued sevice alerts in association with the landfall of Tropical Storm Francine.

North Carolina Railroad Company Announces New Director of Economic & Business Development 

Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) welcomes Patrick Pierce, certified economic developer (CEcD), as its new Director of Economic & Business Development.

Union Pacific Combats Nebraska’s ‘Brain ‘Drain’

OMAHA –– Retirement of experienced people, along with the challenges of finding those who wish to join the industry have plagued the railroads for several years. Union Pacific has decided to do something about it.

Reports: Shaw Departing NS Due to Misconduct Probe

ATLANTA –– The Wall Street Journal has reported that Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw is expected to step down from his role amid an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct—“an inappropriate workplace relationship.” Various news reports, beginning with CNBC, said that the NS board of directors had hired outside legal counsel to investigate the matter; the railroad has confirmed that.

NRC Chairman’s Column: Leave Your Election Headache Behind 

ATLANTA –– From the September 2024 RT&S –– Does this election season have you down? Are you tired of the divisive chatter and ads? Do you find it exhausting to tiptoe around or even avoid political discussions with friends, family, and business associates? You’re not alone! I’m right there with you. 

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