Sound Transit to expand layover yard
The Sound Transit Board of Directors has selected Shimmick Construction to design and build a $13.2-million expansion of the agency’s Sounder layover facilities in Lakewood, Wash.
Freight
Norfolk Southern 2016 capex reflects strategic focus toward streamlined railroad
Norfolk Southern has a planned capital improvement budget of $2.1 billion in 2016, which is $300 million less than its record $2.4 billion capital plan in 2015.
BNSF plans $4.3 billion 2016 capital plan
BNSF Railway released plans for a $4.3 billion 2016 capital expenditure program focuses on helping to ensure the company continues to operate a safe and reliable network this year and beyond.
NS lays out plan to reduce costs, drive profitability and accelerate growth
Norfolk Southern has made a strategic plan designed to streamline operations and drive profitability and growth. The railroad’s projected expense reduction and disciplined cost control initiatives are in the categories of compensation and benefits, purchased services and rents, materials and fuel.
AAR releases inaugural State of the Industry Report
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.
CP appoints Matthew Paull to board; Paul Hilal resigns
Canadian Pacific has appointed Matthew Paull to the CP Board of Directors effective immediately, replacing Paul Hilal, who has resigned from the board.
Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission to host Gulf Coast inspection train
Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) are conducting a tour to examine new ideas for intercity passenger rail by operating an inspection train from New Orleans, La., to Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 18 and 19.
KCS 2016 capital program reflects 10 percent reduction over 2015
Kansas City Southern estimates its 2016 capital program will be between $580-590 million, which represents an approximate 10 percent decline from its $649 million program in 2015.
Union Pacific estimates $3.75B capital program in 2016
Union Pacific is planning for a $3.75 billion capital program in 2016, pending approval from its board the railroad said in an earning release.
HDR names Goehri director of professional services – transportation
Scott Goehri has been named director of professional services for HDR’s transportation business group.
CSX to consolidate operating divisions
CSX is consolidating its operations administration from 10 divisions to nine and closing administrative offices at Huntington, W.Va. Huntington Division administrative responsibilities will be reassigned to five adjoining divisions: Atlanta, Baltimore, Florence, Great Lakes and Louisville.
Battling brush with smart vegetation management programs
Suppliers of intelligent herbicides and technologically- advanced machines update their offerings to help wage the war on unwelcome vegetation.
Cando Rail Service plans rail terminal in British Columbia
Cando Rail Services is expanding into British Columbia with the recent purchase of an 89-acre parcel of land in Kamloops for a new rail terminal. The terminal will have the capacity for 1,000 railcar storage spots, in addition to providing transloading, material handling, engineering and track and mechanical services.
CSX proposes intermodal terminal for Johnston County, N.C.
CSX has plans to develop a major freight rail infrastructure project in Johnston County, N.C., that will spur economic development in the region and help position eastern North Carolina as a major transportation logistics hub.
RSI promotes Amanda Patrick
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) promoted Amanda Patrick to the vice president of trade shows and member relations.
Two rail issues make NTSB’s Most Wanted list for 2016
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its 2016 Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements on January 13 at the 95th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board.
CSX targets $2.4 billion capex in 2016
CSX is aiming for a $2.4 billion capital expenditure program in 2016, which reflects a $100 million reduction over 2015 numbers.
NS combines Virginia, Pocahontas divisions to streamline operations
Norfolk Southern is consolidating its Virginia and Pocahontas divisions to form the new Pocahontas Division, with headquarters in Roanoke, Va., effective Feb. 1.
Hamberger shares the industry’s 2016 goals, sums up 2015 achievements
Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Hamberger says that the industry will be targeting several key issues in 2016, such as maintaining balanced economic regulation at the Surface Transportation Board (STB), extending the shortline tax credit while laying the groundwork for overall tax reform and advancing security-safety legislation or regulation.
Morsches named CEO of TranSystems
Richard Morsches, PE, has been promoted to chief executive officer of TranSystems Corp. He brings to this role more than 30 years of experience and progressive leadership from serving clients locally in the Chicago area, to managing offices throughout the region, to leading the firm’s strategy and sales efforts nationally.