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.
Freight
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.
AAR launches latest Freight Rail Works campaign
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) debuted the latest installment of its Freight Rail Works campaign, an exploration of freight rail’s investments in building, growing and maintaining the nation’s freight rail network. The campaign combines television, radio and online components to showcase the projects and innovation that help give U.S. businesses a competitive edge.
Rep. Steve Cohen tours Atlantic Track’s Memphis facility
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (R-TN-09) joined representatives from Atlantic Track and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) for a tour of Atlantic Track’s Memphis, Tenn., operations and facility.
UP increasing train speed following improvements on Madera County line
Recent track upgrades meeting or exceeding all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards will allow Union Pacific to increase train speed from 60 mph to 70 mph on nearly 15 miles of its rail line between Chowchilla and Madera, Calif.
New U.S.-Mexico rail bridge to open in second half of 2015
The first railroad bridge to be built in more than a century connecting the U.S. and Mexico is expected to be operational by the second half of 2015.
Port of Corpus Christi opens first phase of Nueces River Rail Yard
Port Corpus Christi opened Phase 1 of the Nueces River Rail Yard (NRRY) April 10.
STB approves Louisville & Indiana track upgrade
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has approved a joint proposal by Anacostia Rail Holdings’ (ARH) subsidiary, Louisville & Indiana Railroad (L&I) and CSX to upgrade a key freight corridor between Indianapolis, Ind., and Louisville, Ky.
Metra plans tie, switch projects on Milwaukee District Lines; readies Englewood Flyover for expansion
Chicagoland’s Metra will perform tie replacement and switch replacement along its Milwaukee District Lines this spring.
KCS to invest $19 million in Beaumont to DeQuincy line
Kansas City Southern (KCS) will invest approximately $19 million in 2015 on construction and improvement projects on its Beaumont Subdivision line, which runs from Beaumont, Texas, to DeQuincy, La. The railroad says these projects will help grow capacity, as well as maintain and enhance safety on the KCS cross-border network.