BLET members ratify six-year contract with Grand Trunk Western

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ratified a new a six-year collective bargaining agreement with Canadian National’s Grand Trunk Western property.

Maintenance-of-Way Challenges: Automated tie inspection

Automated crosstie evaluation systems work toward removing  subjectivity and improving accuracy of crosstie inspections.

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.

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