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.

Watco promotes one, hires another

Watco Terminal and Port Services has named Albert Perez II terminal manager at the Linden, N.J., location. In this role, Perez will be responsible for maintaining high-quality customer service, ensuring targeted profitability and supporting the overall attainment of expected performance goals. He will also coach his team and driving safety and operational efficiencies.

HRT supports Stand up 4 Transportation

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will host a special event April 9 with a coalition of business and political leaders to highlight the urgent need for Congress to approve long-term funding critical for Hampton Roads’ transportation infrastructure.

USDOT makes $500 million available for next round of TIGER

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making $500 million available for the seventh round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program.

UP receives delivery of “game changing” long rail

Union Pacific began receiving 480-foot-long rail sections from Japan, which culminates a project more than a decade in the making and according to the railroad, sets a new standard for rail reliability.

NJDOT grants more than $20 million for rail projects

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), through its Rail Freight Assistance Program, doled out more than $20 million in grants for rail improvement projects throughout the state.

Secretary Foxx sends long-term transportation bill to Congress

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx sent a six-year transportation bill to Congress.

Forbes names CSX one of “America’s Best Employers”

According to a new survey published by Forbes magazine, CSX has been named one of “America’s Best Employers”.

RailComm to install yard control system in Mississippi

RailComm says a North American Class 1 railroad with a large switching yard located in Mississippi has chosen the company to install a yard control system.

Arizona DOT gets federal OK on environmental assessment for grade separation

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in partnership with the city of Maricopa, Union Pacific and the Federal Highway Administration, has received federal approval for the proposed bridge project on State Route 347 over the railroad crossing, clearing the way for the project to move forward when funding is available.

Uncertainty clouds key rail bills in Senate

Two bills of substantial importance to railroads—Staggers Rail Act revisions as part of reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and extension of the deadline to implement Positive Train Control (PTC)—took meaningful steps forward March 25, gaining the imprimatur of the Senate Commerce Committee.

ASLRRA reveals full list of safety winners

The American Short Line Rail and Regional Association (ASLRRA) disclosed the winners of its 2014 Safety Awards including Safety Person of the Year, Safety Professional of the Year, Most Improved Award, the President’s Awards, Jake Awards with Distinction and Jake Awards.

WSOR begins track rehab to restore service between Plymouth and Kohler

The Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) broke ground March 24 to reconstruct nearly 11 miles of state-owned freight rail track between Plymouth and Kohler, Wis.

ASLRRA 2014 Safety Person of the Year: Billie Johnson, OmniTRAX

OmniTRAX Inc.‘s Billie Johnson, general manager for Newburgh & South Shore Railroad and Northern Ohio & Western Railway, has been named the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) 2014 Safety Person of the Year. Johnson will receive the award at the ASLRRA Convention in Orlando, Fla., March 28-30.

CN continues major rehabilitation work on Quebec Bridge

Canadian National has planned its annual major work program for the Quebec Bridge.

Low Level Road Project completion clears way for additional train capacity

The Low Level Road Project in North Vancouver, BC, Canada, is now complete.

Rep. Lowenthal proposes legislation to create Freight Transportation Infrastructure Trust Fund

Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) has introduced legislation he says will provide a dedicated revenue source to invest in rebuilding crumbling freight infrastructure.

RAILS Act would help fund rail safety technologies for five years

Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-IL-3) and Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) introduced the Reassuring Adequate Investment in Lifesaving Systems (RAILS) Act, which reauthorizes the Rail Safety Technology Grant program to improve the safety of the nation’s railroads.

Sens. Thune and Nelson introduce bill to streamline STB process

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015.

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