Possible Paths to New-Tech Safety Improvements
Crew Heimer joins Railway Age Contributing Editor Jim Blaze to look at what improvements can be done with respect to train derailments like that in East Palestine, Ohio. They suggest a better-quality
Shortline/Regional
C3RS Issues ‘Blue-Signal Protection’ Memo
An alert-message memo describing safety concerns over close-call events involving blue-signal protection has been released by the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), a partnership between the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in conjunction with participating railroad carriers and labor organizations.
ENSCO Creates Brazilian Subsidiary
Railway inspection technology supplier ENSCO, Inc. announced Feb. 14 that it has created a new subsidiary, ENSCO Tecnologias do Brasil LTDA, that will serve Brazilian and South American railway customers.
ICC Approves Grade Crossing Projects in Logan, Randolph Counties
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Feb. 6 reported signing off on stipulated agreements to improve safety at highway/rail grade crossings in Logan and Randolph counties.
South Dakota Rail Project Receives Governor’s Support
South Dakota’s Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 8 unanimously voted to endorse legislation that would provide $6.25 million to the Sisseton Millbank Railroad Company (SMRC) from the state government’s general fund to rebuild a railroad in northeastern South Dakota, according to a SiouxlandProud.com report.
Caltrain Advances Guadalupe River Bridge Replacement Project
Caltrain on Jan. 31 will host a virtual community meeting on the $63.3 million Guadalupe River Bridge Replacement Project in San Jose, Calif., which will replace the northbound wooden trestle bridge built in 1935 and extend the southbound concrete bridge built in 1990.
GDOT Completes Upgrade Project for HOG
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in January wrapped up its first Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grant project, which included upgrades along 138 miles of the 219-mile Heart of Georgia (HOG) Railroad.
Ohio Commission OK’s Grade Crossing Safety Projects
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved safety upgrades at highway/rail grade crossings in Clinton, Fairfield and Jackson counties.
ASLRRA Working to Advocate for Railroads Experiencing Damage from Natural Disasters
Railway Track & Structures’ cover story for the November 2022 issue focused on the severe damage to the Seminole Gulf Railway in southwest Florida by Hurricane Ian. The storm not only impacted the railroad, but the service it provides to the community after a natural disaster occurs, especially moving building materials along its lines to support rebuilding efforts.
Watch: Iowa Interstate Acquires Iowa City Industrial Campus Parcel for New Rail-to-Truck Transload Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The Iowa Interstate Railroad announced its recent purchase of approximately 30 acres at Iowa City’s Industrial Campus to develop a new rail-to-truck transloading facility. The site, located on the southeast side of Iowa City and including an existing rail spur, connects to the 573-mile IAIS network, providing shippers with direct access to all 7 Class-I railroads and numerous short line railroads. The site is located near I-80, US 6, and US 218.
MDOT Rail Enhancement Program Solicits Applications to Improve Freight Corridors
Applications are being accepted for the Michigan Rail Enhancement Program to upgrade freight rail facilities and corridors that enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, system capacity, and system condition.
ICC Approves Highway/Rail Grade Crossing Projects
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) last month reported signing off on stipulated agreements to improve safety at highway/rail grade crossings in Fayette, Pike, Stephenson and McLean counties.
R&LHS Awards 2022 Research Grants
The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS) has selected the Center for Railroad Photography and Art of Madison, Wis., for the 2022 William D. Middleton Research Fellowship, and independent author Sandra Jackson-Opoku
PUCO Approves Rail Crossing Upgrades in Five Counties
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on Dec. 14 approved safety upgrades at rail crossings in Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Fayette and Logan counties.
NCRR Investing in New Rail-Served Site
North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is investing approximately $200,000 in a new rail-served site, where a wood-products manufacturing facility will be built.
NCDOT Awards $12MM for Small-Road Infrastructure Improvements
Twelve short lines will share approximately $12 million in infrastructure-improvement grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
BNSF’s Katie Farmer Named Railway Age’s 2023 Railroader of the Year
Railway Age’s 2023 Railroader of the Year Award, the 60th annual, goes to a groundbreaking North American rail industry leader: BNSF President and Chief Executive Officer Katie M. Farmer. “Katie Farmer permanently
ASLRRA, NRC Comments Address Proposed Rule to Amend Certain Training Regulations
WASHINGTON – On Nov. 29, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) submitted comments to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) concerning a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend regulations concerning training, qualification and oversight for safety-related railroad employees (Training Rule).
For Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, a $4.7MM Upgrade
The first phase of a $4.7 million rehabilitation project will start this fall on the 33-mile Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Washington state.
Pennsylvania North Shore Railroad Now Serving New Propane Terminal
The Pennsylvania North Shore Railroad is now serving a new 240,000-gallon propane terminal in Northumberland, Pa., which opened on Nov. 22.