Port Metro Vancouver begins South Shore Corridor Project
In Vancouver, BC, Canada, construction of the South Shore Corridor Project at Port Metro Vancouver began Feb. 21.
Freight
NCDOT undergoes organizational changes
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) made organizational adjustments to focus on being efficient, customer-service-focused and dedicated to leveraging infrastructure to create jobs.
Obama renews call for infrastructure investment
President Obama resumed a push for infrastructure investment first outlined in his State of the Union speech. The plan outlines three main points to bring the nation’s infrastructure into a state-of-good-repair and create jobs “that cannot be outsourced.”
CSX to replace rail, ties in Ashland, Va., area
CSX says it will perform track maintenance on its line through Ashland, Va., starting Feb. 24 as part of its commitment to ensure its rail network provides safe and efficient rail service.
Crude by rail facility to be built on Houston Ship Canal
KW Express LLC, a partnership between Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP and Watco Companies LLC, entered into a long-term agreement with Mercuria Energy Trading Company Inc., to construct a 210,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) crude by rail project at the Greens Port Industrial Park on the Houston Ship Channel.
Reiner to head Norfolk Southern industrial development; Newell Baker retires
Norfolk Southern named Jason Reiner assistant vice president industrial development, effective March 1, succeeding Newell Baker, who is retiring.
Bensenville CREATE grade separation project breaks ground
The $67-million grade separation project in Bensenville, Ill., which is part of the Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE), began construction Feb. 19.
Schumer: Expedite RRIF loan to Port of Oswego for rail upgrades
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) urged the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide a $1.5-million loan to the Port of Oswego in New York through its Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program. The port would use this funding to upgrade rail along the docks.
CN donates to Michigan Tech rail program, names Vena EVP/COO
Canadian National donated $500,000 to Michigan Technological University’s Rail Transportation Program (RTP) to create the CN Endowed Fellowship in Rail Transportation. This brings CN’s total funding to the program to $750,000.
Pacific Imperial Railroad names CEO, signs lease to operate Desert Line
Pacific Imperial Railroad, Inc., signed a 99-year lease on Dec. 20, 2012, with the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway Company and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board to operate the Desert Line and is now pursuing upgrades to the link.
Gov. Walker’s budget includes money for freight rail
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to invest $6.4 billion in Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure, including $60 million for the Freight Railroad Preservation Program (FRPP).
2013 capital expenditures keep industry on the fast track
In another record-setting year, North American railroads continue to invest in themselves with capacity expansion and maintenance projects.
Sen. Lautenberg outlines transportation subcommittee priorities, announces retirement
U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) outlined his goals in 2013 as chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, before retiring in 2014.
Amtrak, Michigan DOT gear up for track improvements
Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) are gearing up for track improvements along the former Norfolk Southern (NS) route used by Amtrak Wolverine Service and Blue Water trains from Kalamazoo to central and eastern Michigan. Amtrak has responsibility for this infrastructure, effective Feb. 16.
ARTBA analysis shows states invested in rail-related projects in 2012
State departments of transportation (DOTs) and local governments committed a little more than $117 billion in funding for transportation-related construction projects during 2012,
Senate transportation subcommittee members named
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works named the Senate Transportation Subcommittee members for the 113th Congress.
Union Pacific makes corporate relations appointments
Union Pacific (UP) will promote Donna Kush to vice president public affairs northern region, effective April 1, succeeding Joe Bateman.
CN suspends feasibility study of proposed rail line in Quebec/Labrador iron ore range
Canadian National (CN) is suspending the feasibility study for the construction of its proposed rail line and terminal handling facility to serve the Quebec/Labrador iron ore range.
Union Pacific names Betsworth vice president – intermodal operations
Union Pacific named Kate Betsworth vice president – intermodal operations.
Texas & Northern employees select UTU division
Employees, including maintenance-of-way workers, machinists and mechanics, of the Texas & Northern Railway Company voted to be represented by United Transportation Union’s SMART Transportation Division.