Delta Regional Authority awards funds to construct Arkansas rail spur
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has made a $100,000 investment for construction of a rail spur in Marmaduke, Ark.
Freight
Union Pacific invests $119 million in its Illinois rail infrastructure
Union Pacific plans to invest $119 million in 2015 to improve Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. The investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
UP marks grade-crossing safety milestone
Union Pacific credits a focus on community safety outreach, operating processes and employee training resulting in a record first-quarter grade-crossing safety performance, demonstrating ongoing progress toward the company’s ultimate goal of zero incidents.
J. Reilly McCarren, 1956-2015
J. Reilly McCarren, one of the most accomplished and respected railroaders of the past 35 years, died April 26, 2015 at his Kenilworth, Ill., home after a long battle with cancer. He was 58.
UP achieves record first-quarter employee safety rate
Union Pacific employees achieved record first-quarter safety performance with a reportable injury rate of 0.85, demonstrating ongoing progress toward the company’s ultimate goal of zero incidents.
New crossing funds; safety blitzes to draw focus on safety during Canada’s Rail Safety Week
As part of Rail Safety Week in Canada April 27 through May 3, Canadian National has launched its annual public awareness campaign stressing the deadly risks of trespassing on railway tracks and property. In 2014, there were 58 trespasser accidents in Canada that caused 36 fatalities and 21 serious injuries.
AAR marks another successful annual research review
The 20th Annual AAR Research Review was held March 31-April 1 in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the Hotel Elegante. The review brought approximately 550 attendees to the event, which had a theme of “Research Innovation for Current and Future Needs of North American Railways.”
Bentley issues call for submissions to 2015 Be Inspired awards
Bentley Systems, Inc., issued its call for submissions to the 2015 Be Inspired Awards program; the deadline for entries is May 31, 2015.
CSX name Oglesby resident VP of state government affairs for three northeast states
CSX appointed Rodney Oglesby to resident vice president of state government affairs for Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York City.
NCDOT selects operator for Piedmont & Northern
After a competitive solicitation for proposals to operate the state-owned Piedmont & Northern (P&N) railroad line between Gastonia and Mt. Holly, N.C., the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has selected Piedmont Railway, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, as the best candidate to operate the rail line.
IDOT launches statewide listening tour to discuss Illinois infrastructure needs
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with the Illinois Capital Development Board, has started a series of listening sessions to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs and the steps required “to make sure the right investments are being made to keep Illinois competitive in a 21st century global economy.” The meetings will be held in multiple communities throughout the state over the next month, with a goal of presenting Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office with a comprehensive package of recommendations for consideration this spring.
Maestri and Martίnez assume new responsibilities for Norfolk Southern; Wimbush retires
Bruno Maestri and Robert Martίnez will assume additional responsibilities for Norfolk Southern, following the retirement of F. Blair Wimbush, the railroad’s vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. The changes take effect May 1, 2015.
Another PTC extension bill enters the fray
Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced their version of a Positive Train Control (PTC) extension bill that joins a similar effort introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).
Five teams to bid on fourth construction package for California high-speed rail
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) received five qualified bids for Construction Package 4 (CP4) – the next 22-mile mile phase of construction through the counties of Tulare and Kern and the cities of Wasco and Shafter.
Rep. Jerry McNerney tours Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad
U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA-9) joined representatives from the Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad (STE), OmniTRAX and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) for a tour of STE’s facility April 8.
CN locomotive engineers ratify new labor agreement
Canadian National locomotive engineers, represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union, have ratified a new collective agreement with the railroad.
CN plans capital program to upgrade western Canada feeder rail lines
Canadian National‘s multi-year capital program will invest approximately CA$500 million (US$409 million) in infrastructure improvements for its western Canada feeder rail lines in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan that are handling rising volumes of industrial products, natural resources and energy-related commodities.
BNSF and CSX extend contracts with Koppers
Koppers Inc. has agreed to contract extensions with each of its two largest railroad customers, BNSF and CSX. Combined revenues from BNSF and CSX accounted for approximately 40 percent of 2014 railroad-related sales for the company.
BNSF recognizes Employees of the Year
BNSF recognized a special group of employees for their outstanding achievements in 2014 at an awards ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, April 13.
Federal grant to help Amtrak install PTC in New York
New York has received a $3-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Intercity Passenger Rail Grade Crossing Improvements, Positive Train Control Implementation and Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan Grant Program.