CN to build two training facilities in Canada and U.S.
Canadian National revitalized its company-wide employee training program, which will be anchored by two modern training centers to be built in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, and in suburban Chicago, Ill.
Freight
Rail-delivered sand will move faster through upgraded terminal
Norfolk Southern trains hauling sand used in extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation soon will have the ability to unload five times faster due to a $20 million upgrade at the Horseheads (N.Y.) Sand & Transloading Terminal (HOST).
Union Pacific names Duren executive vice president
Union Pacific named Diane Duren executive vice president. She will be responsible for strategic planning, administration and human resources upon two senior executive retirements in February. Duren also will become corporate secretary at that time.
DEIR affirms benefits of proposed BNSF rail facility in Southern California
The updated Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) released by the Port of Los Angeles affirms that BNSF’s proposed Southern California International Gateway (SCIG) facility will result in an overall improvement in air quality, health risk and traffic in both the immediate neighborhoods around the site and throughout the region.
Greenfield, Ohio receives EDA grant for rail spur
The Village of Greenfield, Ohio, received a $2.2-million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for improvements to a rail line in Highland County. The project is expected to create 72 jobs and save more than 800 at local companies.
UP makes operating department changes
Union Pacific made operating department changes, which will be effective October 1.
ARRC washout repair going better than expected
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) track repair crews have made better-than-expected progress in repairing a major washout that has left 500 feet of the mainline track dangling just south of Gold Creek (ARRC Milepost 261, about 35 miles north of Talkeetna).
CP hires vice president and CIO
Canadian Pacific appointed Michael Redeker to vice president and chief information officer, effective October 15, 2012. Redeker was most recently chief information officer at ATB Financial.
VTrans plans railyard project in Burlington, Vermont
The city of Burlington, Vt., and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is planning a new railyard project that will link Pine and Battery streets through a new urban street grid, creating a multi-modal network of rail, truck, car, transit, bike and pedestrian connections to access Burlington’s southern waterfront and railyard.
Wisconsin awards $12 million in freight rail grants
The state of Wisconsin awarded $11,955,358 that will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of overall efforts to support job growth and Wisconsin’s economy.
CDOT exploring technology for possible I-70 HSR plan
As part of its Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor Advanced Guideway System (AGS) Feasibility Study, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT’s) Division of Transit and Rail is issuing a Request for Statements of Technology Information.
Massachusetts rail network report shows progress
Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray released a progress report titled “Transforming the Rail Network for Economic and Community Development.”
USDOT awards more than $74 million for development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor in Virginia
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $74.8 million to the Commonwealth of Virginia to continue development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. The funding will help improve passenger and freight rail service between Virginia and Washington, D.C., and reduce delays on the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) commuter service.
CSX named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index for second consecutive year
CSX Corporation was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America for the second consecutive year and was the only U.S. railroad listed in 2012.
Anacostia Rail Holdings makes key management changes
Anacostia Rail Holdings said that John Secor is retiring as president of the Louisville and Indiana Railroad at the end of October 2012. Succeeding Secor is Michael Stolzman, currently president of Pacific Harbor Line. Otis Cliatt, vice president of PHL, will be promoted to president.
Canadian Pacific offers faster transcon service
Canadian Pacific launched new faster intermodal train services connecting Vancouver, B.C., to Toronto, ON, or Chicago, Ill.
BNSF wins Hay Award at AREMA conference
BNSF was awarded the 2012 Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence during the AREMA Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill.
Indiana Gateway Project receives $71.3 million in federal funds
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $71.3 million to Indiana to help alleviate congestion in one of the region’s most delay-prone rail corridors. The Indiana Gateway Project will both relieve congestion and support the development of higher performing intercity passenger rail service in the Midwest.
Iowa grants more than $4 million to state railroad projects
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved more than $4 million in funding for nine rail infrastructure and related rail development projects under the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) program. The rail projects are expected to support the creation and retention of more than 110 jobs within the next three years and spur development of six industrial areas across the state. The proposed developments will leverage millions in new capital investments across the state.
Mass. Gov. Patrick appoints MassDOT Board of Directors
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick appointed Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors, adding to the panel new individuals with extensive expertise and leadership in transportation and business.