UP plans $19 million capital program in Colorado and Wyoming
Union Pacific is enhancing transportation infrastructure in Colorado and Wyoming by investing more than $19 million.
Freight
M/W workers on M&NA ratify first agreement with UTU
United Transportation Union-represented maintenance-of-way employees on Missouri & North Arkansas Railroad, who chose the UTU as their bargaining representative in January, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.
KCS set to increase speed on segments of its Gulfport to Hattiesburg line
Kansas City Southern is set to increase train speed over some segments of its Gulfport to Hattiesburg, Miss., line. Effective June 8, speeds will move from 10 to 25 mph, but a 10 mph speed limit will continue through downtown Wiggins for the time being.
Grain shippers rate UP as top-performing railroad
For the second year in a row, Union Pacific was selected as the top-performing railroad by U.S. agricultural shippers in the third annual Soy Transportation Coalition Railroad Report Card.
Back-to-work legislation enacted, CP workers return to job
The Restoring Rail Service Act passed in the Canadian Senate and received the Royal Assent, effectively ending the strike at Canadian Pacific, which began on May 23. CP workers represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference will return to work on Friday, June 1.
PUCO approves work at three Ohio crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission authorizing the installation of flashing lights and gates at three grade crossings in Butler and Richland counties.
BNSF plans $306 million capital program in three states
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $306 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvements in California, Minnesota and North Dakota in 2012.
Legislation to end CP strike successfully passes Canada’s House of Commons
The Restoring Rail Service Act has been passed by Canada’s House of Commons. The Act would end the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific and its labor disputes with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
CP, TCRC talks stall, Canadian government takes steps to legislate end to strike
Legislation has been introduced in Canada’s House of Commons aimed at restoring Canadian Pacific Service. The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, introduced the Restoring Rail Service Act, which was put in place to end the strike at CP.
CTC allocates $37.6 million to Baldwin Ave. grade separation project
The California Transportation Commission voted to allocate $37.6 million in state bond funds to construct the Baldwin Avenue grade separation project in the City of El Monte. The award of funds will permit the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority to prepare to release the project for bids from contractors.
CN says rail traffic controllers in Canada ratify new collective agreement
Canadian National says that members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Rail Canada Traffic Controllers have ratified a new collective agreement covering approximately 210 train dispatchers in Canada.
BNSF plans $111 million capital program in Montana
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $111 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Montana this year.
Canada prepares legislation to end CP strike
The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, said that the federal government has put the Restoring Rail Service Act on notice to end the current Canadian Pacific work stoppage involving the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
BNSF plans $30 million capital program in South Dakota
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $30 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in South Dakota this year.
Five Ohio crossings to receive upgrades
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio
BNSF plans $199 million capital program in Texas
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $199 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement and expansion projects in Texas this year.
Illinois HSR corridor work continues
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are upgrading Illinois’ high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed Amtrak trains. The improvements for 110-mph service include the installation of new premium rail with concrete ties and ballast; upgrades to bridges, culverts and drainage; signal and wayside equipment installations and upgrades and roadway-rail grade crossing improvements.
RailAmerica, Inc., reviews strategic alternatives
RailAmerica, Inc., stated that its board of directors is considering strategic alternatives, which may include a sale of the company. In connection with its evaluation, the company is engaged in preliminary discussions with third parties regarding a potential sale of the company.
RailComm expands its remote control detrail system at Indiana Harbor Belt RIP Track Facility
RailComm has been selected to expand its wireless remote control derail system at Indiana Harbor Belt’s RIP Track Facility. The customized local control panel, located within the shop, will be modified to include the new derail locations.
Watco promotes Towner to assistant vice president of operations
Stu Towner has been promoted to the position of assis¬tant vice president of operations for Watco Transportation Services. Towner will be responsible for the continued development and improvement of safety, service, growth, people and efficiency in all areas of WTS. He will be responsible for and participate in, due diligence and transition of new acquisitions within WTS.