RailComm installs four Domain Operations Controllers in New Zealand, Oregon and California

RailComm has been chosen to install and provide control to multiple switches throughout the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) terminal.

Tower 55 reopens following $100-million retrofit

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo joined Congresswoman Kay Granger in celebrating the re-opening of Tower 55, a 141-year-old railroad interlocking on Nov. 7. The newly-rebuilt interlocking will improve safety while relieving rail congestion following a multi-million dollar overhaul.

Szabo plans to leave FRA

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo will be stepping down from the post he has held since April 2009 and, effective Jan. 1, 2015, will be on staff at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)—effectively returning to his Chicagoland roots.

BNSF opens logistics center in Sweetwater, Texas

BNSF celebrated the opening of a new $45-million logistic center in Sweetwater, Texas, November 6. The logistic center, capable of supporting rail, truck and transload services, will accommodate several industries, including agricultural commodities, sand, pipe and aggregate.

CSX names industrial development manager for South Carolina

CSX has appointed Kellen Riley as its South Carolina industrial development manager where he will be responsible for managing existing customer partnerships, helping to locate rail-served industries along the CSX network in South Carolina and identifying new development sites throughout the state.

CSX gains approval to move forward with its Virginia Avenue Tunnel project

The Federal Highway Administration has approved a preferred construction alternative for CSX’s Virginia Avenue Tunnel project, enabling CSX to complete the tunnel’s design and initiate the construction permitting process.

Washington state to improve 98 crossings through Grade Crossing Protective Fund grants

Washington state regulators have approved nearly $18,000 for rail safety upgrades at 98 railroad crossings in Grant, Franklin, Adams, Yakima and Benton counties.

Columbia Basin Railroad named busiest shortline in eastern Washington

According to a recent Washington State Freight and Goods Transportation System report published by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Columbia Basin Railroad line from Connell to Moses Lake/Wheeler, Wash., is the busiest shortline in eastern Washington.

BNSF outlines winter prep plans


BNSF says it will go into the 2014-2015 winter season better prepared than ever before, especially if the United States experiences a return of the polar vortex. The 2013-2014 winter was one of the most severe winters the United States has experienced in decades with extreme temperatures that persisted for long periods and created special challenges for operating the railroad.

Construction begins on new Amtrak Rochester, N.Y., station

Construction has started on the $29.8-million Amtrak Rochester Intermodal Station in Rochester, N.Y., which will reduce regional delays by expanding track service at the station, increase functionality through a new and redesigned concourse and enhance the overall passenger experience in the larger, modern station. Construction is expected to be completed by 2017.

BNSF names Utah Railway Shortline of the Year

BNSF has named Utah Railway as the 2014 Shortline of the Year. Utah Railway operates about 423 miles along the heavily-populated Wasatch Front Corridor, serving a wide variety of customers with growing volumes in Utah.

Washington state seeks input on state-owned railways

As part of an ongoing effort to improve the movement of goods produced on Northwest farms, officials are asking for input from eastern Washington citizens, businesses and communities to help make state-owned rail lines better.

CREATE’s Englewood Flyover opens

On October 23, federal, state and local officials celebrated the opening of the $142-million Englewood Flyover, a major railroad bridge that has eliminated a significant source of train delays on the south side of Chicago and has reduced emissions and noise from idling trains in the neighborhood.

HDR hires transportation director

Randy Altshuler joined HDR as the firm’s West Region transportation director, based in the Oakland, Calif., office. His responsibilities include leading business development activities and growth strategies throughout the West Region.

Construction begins on Chicago-Moline rail service

Construction has started on the new passenger rail route connecting Chicago and Moline, Ill. The $23 million in improvements underway at the BNSF’s Eola Yard in Aurora, Ill., are made possible by funds from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) $177-million grant toward the project, as well as $78 million in matching funds provided by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital program.

Quebec, Champion Iron and Adriana to study Labrador Trough rail feasibility

The Québec government and Lac Otelnuk Mining Ltd., a joint venture between Adriana Resources and WISCO International Resources Development & Investment Limited, have formed a partnership with Champion Iron Limited, the Northern Quebec Railway Partnership (SFNQ), to study Labrador Trough rail feasibility.

Watco, GNPD break ground on South Heart Rail Terminal

Watco Terminal and Port Services and Great Northern Project Development (GNPD) broke ground on the South Heart Rail Terminal (SHRT), a multi-purpose rail transload terminal and railcar maintenance shop near South Heart, N.D., and will serve the energy industry and its service providers in the Bakken, Three Forks, Tyler and emerging oil and gas formations.

FECR, PortMiami alliance now offering ship to rail service

Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) and PortMiami, through a strategic alliance, are offering the Sunshine Gateway service, which includes on-dock intermodal rail capabilities.

KCS appoints SVP human resources

Kansas City Southern has appointed Lora Cheatum to senior vice president human resources.

CP confirms termination of exploratory talks with CSX

Canadian Pacific said that exploratory conversations held with CSX concerning a possible business combination have ended.

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