New study analyzes condition of Washington state’s shortline railroads; repair costs

According to a recent study by the Washington Department of Transportation and the Washington State University Freight Policy Transportation Institute, more than half of the state’s shortline rail miles aren’t up to modern standards.

UP to complete $13.5 million in Wyoming trackwork by mid-September

Union Pacific plans to strengthen its infrastructure in Wyoming by investing $13.5 million in its line between Laramie and near Hanna. The project began July 16 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-September.

P&L engineers ratify new deal

United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (UTU-SMART)-represented engineers employed by Paducah and Louisville Railway ratified a new five-year agreement.

USDOT: Substantial demand underscores need for TIGER grants

Applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s seventh round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants totaled $9.8 billion, almost 20 times the $500 million set aside for the program, demonstrating the continued need for transportation investment nationwide.

Union Pacific elects Lance Fritz chairman of the board; places executives in new roles

Union Pacific‘s board of directors elected Lance Fritz chairman, president and chief executive officer, effective October 1.

KCS opens new terminal in Texas

Kansas City Southern (KCS) celebrated the dedication of its new intermodal terminal in Wylie, Texas, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local public officials July 30. After 12 months of construction, the more than $64 million terminal opened for operations on July 13.

Union Pacific to complete $10 million in Kansas track work by mid-August

Union Pacific will strengthen its Kansas’ infrastructure by investing more than $10 million in the rail line between near Delia and near Onaga. The project began July 24 and is scheduled to be completed in mid-August.

NS joins Operation Lifesaver for safety tour across the Carolinas

Norfolk Southern brings its Whistle-Stop Safety Train to the Carolinas this week to remind motorists and pedestrians to be safe and alert when around railroad tracks and trains.

Two crossing projects receive Asia-Pacific Gateway infrastructure funds

Transport Canada has made an investment of approximately CA$16.5 million (US$12.6 million) for nine Asia-Pacific Gateway transportation infrastructure projects in British Columbia that support Asia-Pacific trade and boost the competitive advantages of Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway, of which two are railroad crossing projects.

LIRR releases draft environmental assessment of Mid-Suffolk Yard-Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion Project

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) made public a study that assesses the potential environmental impact of its proposed Mid-Suffolk Yard/Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion Project, which would enlarge the LIRR’s existing Ronkonkoma electric train yard just east of Ronkonkoma Station on land already owned by the MTA.

Georgia to build inland port to be served by CSX

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), Murray County and CSX signed a Memorandum of Agreement to establish the Appalachian Regional Port in Chatsworth. Its service area will include North Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and parts of Kentucky.

Union Pacific safety outreach results in 11 percent improvement in public safety rate

Union Pacific says its persistent community safety outreach efforts are driving down incidents at grade crossings in communities across the company’s 23-state rail network.

Union Pacific employees hit safety records

Union Pacific says employees made gains toward the company’s ultimate goal of zero incidents, setting second-quarter and year-to-date safety performance records.

British Columbia commits funds toward future E&N rail line

The British Columbia government has affirmed its commitment to provide CA$7 million (US$5.4 million) to the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF) to support the future of the E&N rail line on Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada.

Iowa Pacific Holdings using RailComm dispatch system on six US properties

Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) recently selected RailComm’s computer-aided dispatch system to operate six of its railroads located in U.S.

HNTB adds Thompson as principal tunnel engineer

HNTB Corporation hired Jimmy Thompson as principal tunnel engineer in its national tunnel practice out of its Oakland, Calif., office. Thompson has 30 years of experience in the design and construction of large infrastructure projects and specializes in tunnels and underground facilities.

LACMTA Board approves project to enhance pedestrian safety at 27 Blue Line intersections

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board approved a budget of $30 million for a project that will add pedestrian gates on both sides of the tracks at 27 LACMTA and Union Pacific intersections along the Blue Line.

Former CSX executive joins Hanson

Hanson Professional Services Inc. hired former CSX executive Chris Durden as a vice president and senior railway principal.

Sioux Falls, BNSF reach agreement on yard purchase

Negotiations have concluded between the city of Sioux Falls, S.D., and BNSF for the purchase of the downtown rail yard. The city has agreed to purchase more than 10 acres of the rail yard for $27,334,500, utilizing funds from the federal highway bill.

ASLRRA boasts Senate progress on 45G

The Senate Finance Committee met to debate legislation put forward by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to extend expiring tax credits, including the Section 45G railroad track maintenance credit.

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