CSX appoints operations, technology leaders to new roles
CSX has made executive position changes, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2013.
Freight
WisDOT awards funds to revive freight service
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is contributing more than $17 million toward a rail restoration project in Sheboygan County.
Local officials urge CN to allow Metra expanded service on Heritage Corridor
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) was joined by more than 20 local officials in urging Canadian National to allow Chicago-area’s commuter railroad Metra to expand service on the Heritage Corridor Line and accommodate at least two additional trains a day.
MDOT buys 135 miles of NS line
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Norfolk Southern signed a sale agreement that transfers ownership of 135 miles of NS railroad to MDOT for $140 million.
Alabama railroad votes SMART representation
According to the United Transportation Union, train and engine service employees on Birmingham Terminal Railway, a Watco Transportation property, have voted to be represented by the SMART Transportation Division.
TTCI selects new board of directors member
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., (TTCI) Board of Directors elected Scott MacDonald, senior vice president, system, Canadian Pacific, as a new board member December 13, 2012.
Canadian government introduces freight service bill, CN, CP respond
On Dec. 11, the Canadian government introduced the Fair Rail Freight Service Act bill, which will give companies that ship goods by rail the right to a service agreement with railways. It will also create an arbitration process to establish an agreement when commercial negotiations are not met.
TCRC- MWED and Canadian Pacific reach tentative contract agreement
Canadian Pacific and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC-MWED), which represents 2,600 maintenance-of-way workers, reached a tentative five-year contract settlement.
BLET members ratify new contract at Montana Rail Link
By a better than three-to-one majority, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Montana Rail Link (MRL) on November 20. The agreement covers approximately 400 members.
L.B. Foster, Union Pacific enter agreement for concrete crossties
L.B. Foster Company has agreed on a multi-year contract extension with Union Pacific for the supply of prestressed concrete railroad ties from its Tucson, Ariz., facility. The previous supply contract was set to expire on December 31, 2012.
FRA proposes revisions to PTC rule
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proposing a revision to the rule concerning positive train control (PTC) in response to a petition from the Association of American Railroads (AAR).
Alton & Southern to expand RailComm system
Alton and Southern Railroad will expand its existing RailComm Yard Control System by adding several new components to the yard.
Canadian Pacific outlines vision for future, weighs interest in DM&E west end
Canadian Pacific has outlined the railroad’s go-forward plan for change with plans to improve service, increase efficiency, lower cost and grow the business.
Amtrak/CSX Hudson Line deal to improve service, move projects forward
A long-term lease agreement between CSX Corporation and Amtrak has been made, enabling Amtrak to take full control of the Hudson Line between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
NCDOT awards safety improvement contract
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.9-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Fred Smith Co. of Raleigh, N.C., for a rail safety improvement project.
CP defers Powder River Basin expansion plan
Canadian Pacific will take a fourth quarter pre-tax non-cash charge of approximately CA$180 million (US$181 million) on its option to build into the Powder River Basin (PRB).
Genesee & Wyoming expands role in Utica shale development
Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s (GWI) wholly owned subsidiary, The Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road Company (CUOH), has signed a long-term agreement to serve the $900-million natural gas liquids (NGLs) fractionation hub being constructed in Scio, Ohio,
Alabama to relocate rail line with federal funds
The Federal Railroad Administration has provided the city of Sylacauga, Ala., a $1.59-million Rail Line Relocation Grant to relocate East Alabama Railway and Norfolk Southern interchange tracks away from the downtown area.
Construction stay lifted on Port MacKenzie rail project
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on construction for Alaska’s Port MacKenzie Rail project Nov. 28 and indicated that the environmental groups’ court challenge to the project will not prevail.
Norfolk Southern completes Pier 6 upgrades
Norfolk Southern has completed a major upgrade to its Lamberts Point export coal transload facility in Norfolk, Va.