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).
Freight
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.
North Carolina legislators introduce bill to restore rail line
A bill submitted by a group of North Carolina state legislators would restore a rail line from Wallace to Castle Hayne, N.C., and study additional improvements to military transportation.
BNSF 2012 economic development efforts lead to record investments and jobs
BNSF’s economic development generated approximately $1.8 billion in new investment and more than 6,200 new jobs in 23 states.
AAR estimates capital expenditures will again top $13 billion in 2013
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) says the nation’s major freight railroads plan to invest an estimated $24.5 billion in 2013 to build, maintain and upgrade America’s rail network
CN targets CA$1.9 billion in 2013 capital investments
Canadian National (CN) plans to invest approximately CA$1.9 billion (US$1.907 billion) to maintain and upgrade its railway network, grow the business efficiently and continue to improve customer service in 2013.
Connecticut bond commission approves millions for state DOT rail projects
The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved $170 million for Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) projects including $59 million for a rail bridge replacement and freight rail projects.
Labor agreement between CN, IBEW ratified for C&S workers
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council 11, which represents approximately 700 Canadian National (CN) signals and communications employees in Canada, ratified a four-year collective labor agreement with the railroad.
Rail partners explore Washington state mudslide causes, solutions
Four rail partners involved in service and safety in the corridor between Seattle and Everett, Wash., are putting a new focus on understanding the root causes and potential solutions to mudslides that resulted in a record number of Amtrak Cascades and Sounder passenger-service disruptions this winter.
PUCO approves upgrade of rail crossing in Clinton County
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Indiana & Ohio Railway to install mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at the Lazenby Street grade crossing in the village of Blanchester, Clinton County.
Canadian Pacific names Creel president and COO; reaches settlement with CN
Canadian Pacific named Keith Creel president and chief operating officer effective February 5, 2013. E. Hunter Harrison, former chief executive officer of Canadian National, will remain CEO of CP.
ACE begins Baldwin Ave. grade separation project
Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority (ACE) started construction on a roadway underpass and double-track railroad bridge to replace a congested railroad crossing on Baldwin Avenue in the City of El Monte, Calif.