NYSDOT performs second round of inspections to guard against CBR accidents
New York state will make additional efforts to protect residents from potential disasters involving the transport of crude oil.
Freight
Union relations: Deals reached between Chicago Rail Link and SMART; Amtrak and BMWED; LACMTA and ATU
Trainmen and engineers represented by the United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (UTU-SMART) and employed by Chicago Rail Link have ratified a new six-year agreement, with 95 percent of the affected employees voting in favor of the deal.
TTCI’s Stabler highlights crude by rail safety training program at Senate hearing
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation with local emergency responders and an commitment to preparedness, Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), President Lisa Stabler testified before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Relations, and the District of Columbia about the railroad industry’s continuing safety efforts.
PUCO approves upgrades of eight rail crossings throughout Ohio
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved eight highway-rail grade crossing projects in Lucas, Seneca, Stark and Wood counties.
CTC allocates funds for ACE grade separation project
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $334 million in funding to 53 projects, including $48 million to the Alameda Corridor East – Construction Authority (ACE) Puente Avenue Grade Separation Project.
Chadwick named GM of Ann Arbor Railroad
Watco Transportation Services named Ron Chadwick as general manager of the Ann Arbor Railroad (AA). Ron will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the AA, as well as coordinating efforts between all railroad departments and achieving performance goals with optimum safety, economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
NCDOT begins series of PIP rail improvements between Salisbury and Kannapolis
On March 24, the N.C. Department of Transportation will begin a rail project to add 11 miles of second track to the Norfolk Southern line between Salisbury and Kannapolis. The work will involve upgrading some railroad crossings and permanently closing others, extending Kimball Road from Main Street to Center Avenue and constructing a bridge carrying the North Carolina Railroad tracks over Kimball Road.
UP performing nearly $11.8 million in improvements to Missouri infrastructure
Union Pacific will strengthen Missouri’s transportation infrastructure by investing nearly $11.8 million in the rail line between near Kansas City, Mo., and near Marshall, Mo. The project, funded entirely by UP, began March 18 and is scheduled to be completed by June 2, 2014.
TTCI hosts Senate and House Appropriation Committee members for facility tour
On March 18, members of the Senate and House Appropriation Committee toured the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Transportation Technology Center (TTC), near Pueblo, Colo., to learn firsthand about the activities being performed at the site.
ASLRRA names 2013 safety winners
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) named the winners of its Safety Awards for 2013. ASLRRA says the Safety Program enables the association to recognize the continued efforts of its members to maintain a high level of safety.
Second TCRC-CTY, CN contract narrowly fails ratification
Canadian National (CN) has proposed binding arbitration to reach a contract settlement with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference – Conductors, Trainpersons and Yardpersons (TCRC-CTY) after the union advised that the tentative labor agreement negotiated with CN on February 5, 2014, failed to ratify.
Union Pacific Board elects Koraleski chairman, adds Dillon as member
The Union Pacific Board of Directors has voted to elect the company’s chief executive officer, Jack Koraleski, chairman of the board and has also added David Dillon to the board, effective immediately.
UP makes multiple marketing and sales, operating and finance department appointments
Union Pacific has recently promoted many in the marketing and sales, operating and finance departments.
CREATE keeps Chicago rail moving
In it’s 11th year, the CREATE program continues its capacity and safety enhancements to secure Chicago’s place in a strong national rail network.
UP performing $4.5 million in trackwork between Nebraska and Iowa
Union Pacific will strengthen transportation infrastructure in Nebraska and Iowa by investing nearly $4.5 million in the rail line between Omaha, Neb., and near Missouri Valley, Iowa. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific, began March 5 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of May.
UNITRAC, NRC host Rep. Duncan for Knoxville facility tour
U.S. Rep. John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN-02), joined representatives from UNITRAC Railroad Materials, the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC), the Gulf & Ohio Railway and Nisus Corp. for a tour of UNITRAC’s manufacturing facility in Knoxville, Tenn., on March 17.
Watco names GMs to two railroads
Watco Transportation Services named James Moore general manager of the Pacific Sun Railroad (PSRR) and Garrett Bolyard general manager of the Eastern Idaho Railroad (EIRR).
Industry rallies for freight rail on Capitol Hill
Representatives from Class 1s, shortlines, suppliers, as well as other railroad supporters joined forces on Thursday, March 13, to take part in Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, the industry’s annual event to advocate for freight rail-related issues.
OTCA opens first grade separation project in OC Bridges program
Orange County Transportation Authority (OTCA) has opened the first grade separation project of seven in its OC Bridges program and has opened Placentia Avenue to traffic where BNSF now crosses over the road.
OmniTRAX 2014 Safety Awards winners
OmniTRAX, Inc., named the 2014 Safety People of the Year; each of the five winners was selected by division managers based on nominations from team members at the individual rail lines.