Begeman named permanent STB chairman
Ann Dawn Begeman was designated permanent chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) March 19 by President Trump. She has been acting chairman since January 2017.
Shortline/Regional
Pacific Harbor Line marks 20th anniversary
The Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of railroad services in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles area.
Latest safety stats a mixed bag with crossing, trespassing incidents up
Recently released statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reveal a mixed safety story for the rail industry with 2017 marking the lowest rate of track-caused and human factor-caused accidents ever, but the year also saw an increase in crossing incidents and in trespassing casualties.
Capitol Hill this week: Shortlines discuss value and needs
The infrastructure needs and value brought by the shortline railroads in the United States were the topic of testimony given at two Congressional hearings this week.
Lake State Railway, Indiana Rail Road take small-road honors
Railway Age has named Class III railroad Lake State Railway as its Short Line of the Year, and Class II Indiana Rail Road as its Regional of the Year.
Rail to benefit from $96M in TIGER grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a list of recipients of the nearly $500 million in available Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants.
NRC members join in Rail Day message
More than 100 individuals from approximately 60 National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) member companies helped spread the rail industry’s message during the annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Rail takes 10 percent of TIGER grants (so far)
Four rail specific and rail related projects have been awarded a total of $54.5 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants. This represents about 10 percent of the $500 million available in the latest round of TIGER funding.
REMSA members represent on the Hill
More than 55 individuals are representing more than 30 Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) member companies today at Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Senate staffer, SEPTA attorney to be nominated to STB
President Donald Trump intends to nominate two Republicans to fill open seats on the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
It’s official: Batory sworn in as FRA Administrator
WASHINGTON – Ronald L. Batory officially became the 14th United States Federal Railroad Administrator on Feb. 28, 2018.
NY state grant to help build rail siding
State Sen. James L. Seward, representatives from Hoober Feeds and officials from Schoharie County announced a $200,000 state grant Feb. 26 that will pay for improvements to the rail line in Central Bridge, the New York State Senate announced.
South Shore expands railcar storage options
Short line Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad (CSS) is offering expanded capacity for railcar storage.
OL Canada aims to reduce train vs. snowmobile accidents
Virtually, all incidents involving winter recreation vehicles and trains can be avoided says Operation Lifesaver’s (OL) Canadian arm, which released a new video campaign addressing the subject.
B-256 gets an extended life span
One of the oldest railroad bridges in Wisconsin, a more-than-century-old, 2,200-foot timber structure spanning the Wisconsin River at Spring Green on the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad’s (WSOR) Prairie Subdivision, has undergone a a major improvement project. WSOR, a Watco Cos.subsidiary, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) collaborated on the project.
New York state has $26.5 million available for rail and port grants
New York state has $26.5 million in funds available for rail and port projects as part of the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program.
Canadian railway accidents up per TSB preliminary numbers
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its preliminary transportation occurrence statistics for 2017. Total railway incidents were up, but still in line with five-year averages.
NCRR, High Point partner on rail improvements
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) and the city of High Point, N.C., are tackling $5.1 million in improvements to the railroad corridor and drainage in the city’s downtown.
House T&I Committee holds PTC hearing
The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing on Feb. 15 examining the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
Senate confirms Batory as FRA Administrator
The Senate by voice vote early Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, confirmed Ronald Batory as Federal Railroad Administrator, the nation’s rail safety watchdog agency.