Maintenance-of-Way Challenges: Automated tie inspection
Automated crosstie evaluation systems work toward removing subjectivity and improving accuracy of crosstie inspections.
Freight
High-speed rail grinding and metal removal
Controlling grinding speed allows for the amount of metal removal to be fine-tuned and results in improved effectiveness and utilization of grinding operations.
PUCO approves upgrade of five rail crossings across Ohio
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization for the installation of flashing lights and gates at five grade crossings in Crawford, Cuyahoga, Logan and Seneca counties.
Parsons Brinkerhoff names two to management team
Parsons Brinckerhoff named Greg Kelly to the newly created position of global chief operating officer. Clifford Eby succeeds Kelly as president of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Americas Transportation operating company.
Not quite the end of the line
To all my faithful readers, this will be the last monthly installment of “Chicago Perspective.” I thank you for giving me a platform for 13 years where my thoughts, opinions, theories and assessments of the industry have been allowed to flourish.
Signs, they are a-changin’
Chicago, where I live and where RT&S is put together each month, represents various things to various people. To my grandfather, who worked with the American Angus Association, memories of the old Union Stockyards come to mind.
Illinois to St. Louis HSR corridor enters final stage of construction
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are beginning the final phase of 2012 upgrades to Illinois’ signature high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed Amtrak trains.
WSDOT has funds available for freight rail projects
The Washington State Department of Transportation is accepting applications to receive state funding for freight rail projects in Washington that create family-wage jobs and demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of freight rail.
Santa Clara VTA awards railroad relocation contract
California Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors voted Thursday, June 7, 2012, to authorize VTA’s general manager to execute a $45,040,277 contract with RGW Construction, Inc., for the Mission/Warren/Freight Railroad Relocation (MWT) Program improvements.
Raisbeck steps down from CP
David Raisbeck resigned from the Canadian Pacific Board of Directors, a position he has held since October 2009.
FRA issues final rule regarding ENS at grade crossings
The Federal Railroad Administration issued new regulations requiring railroads to install signs at grade crossings and pathway crossings with telephone numbers the public can use to alert railroad companies to unsafe conditions.
Port of Coos Bay preps for next phase of rail line rehabilitation
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay issued documents and is seeking bids for the 2012 Major Track Rehabilitation Project. This is the largest reconstruction phase to date related to the Coos Bay Rail Line rehabilitation.
GWI names future COO
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. named David Brown the successor to GWI’s current chief operating officer, James Benz.
NCDOT names new rail division director
The North Carolina Department of Transportation appointed Anthony Fuller as the new director of the Rail Division.
BNSF plans $65 million capital program in New Mexico
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $65 million on track and rail capacity improvement projects in New Mexico this year.
CP awards Parsons-LifeSpan structural monitoring contract
Parsons has been awarded a contract by Canadian Pacific for the structural monitoring and advanced condition assessment of its La Crosse Rail Bridge. The bridge was one of the first 15 bridges built across the Mississippi River and it spans between La Crescent, Minn., and La Crosse, Wis.
CSX and NASCAR’s Regan Smith urge motorists and pedestrians to exercise care around railroad tracks
CSX Corporation and NASCAR driver Regan Smith kicked off Train Safety Awareness Week by reminding people to stay away from railroad tracks and use caution at grade crossings.
SANDAG begins construction on Sorrento to Miramar Double Track Project
The San Diego Association of Governments started construction on Phase 1 of the Sorrento to Miramar Double Track Project, one of 20 capital improvement projects now in development along San Diego County’s 60-mile segment of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor (LOSSAN).
Paul Haggis to lead CP Board
Canadian Pacific elected Paul Haggis to chairman of the company’s board of directors.
BNSF to invest $80 million in Arizona track maintenance
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $80 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Arizona this year.