Amtrak and Michigan DOT wrap up this year’s construction season
Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have completed construction for the season for Wolverine Service trains, with more work scheduled in the New Year.
Shortline/Regional
TWU on strike amid SEPTA contract dispute
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 has about 5,000 workers on strike today following the expiration of the union’s contract with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a regional public transportation authority serving the greater Philadelphia area, at 12:01 a.m.
Knox Kershaw hosts Rep. Mike Rogers for facility tour and rail discussion
Knox Kershaw, Inc., hosted U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL-3) for a tour and discussion of rail and manufacturing issues at its long-held Montgomery, Ala., facility.
Providence and Worcester shareholders approve GWI acquisition
Shareholders of Providence and Worcester Railroad Company (P&W) voted to approve the proposed acquisition of PWRR by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI).
NECR breaks ground on rail upgrade project
Federal, state and local officials gathered on Oct. 25 for a groundbreaking of a New England Central Railroad (NECR) project that will upgrade infrastructure to accommodate freight carloads of up to 286,000 lbs.
BNSF names Burlington Junction Railway “Shortline of the Year”
BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) recognized the Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY) Oct. 20, naming the shortline as its 2016 “Shortline of the Year” at the company’s annual Shortline Conference.
USDOT establishing advisory committee on transportation automation
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will establish an Advisory Committee on Automation in Transportation (ACAT) to serve as a critical resource for the department in framing federal policy for the continued development and deployment of automated transportation.
Wisconsin recognizes importance of freight rail system
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker issued a proclamation naming Oct. 17 to 23 Wisconsin Freight Rail Week in the state.
Canada increasing investment in crossing safety
The government of Canada has committed more than CA$55 million (US$41.5 million) to improve safety through its new Rail Safety Improvement Program.
SEDA-COG JRA helps fund flood protection project
A nearly $30-million flood management project that will protect one of the largest employers in Columbia County, Penn., was dedicated on Oct. 11.
OmniTRAX Sand Holdings, Arrows Up partnering on joint venture
OmniTRAX Sand Holdings LLC, an affiliate of OmniTRAX, Inc., is entering into a joint venture with Arrows Up, LLC, a provider of bulk storage and transportation solutions based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Terms were not disclosed.
Bay Line Railroad to operate bulk transload facility for Panama City Port Authority
The Bay Line Railroad, L.L.C., and the Panama City Port Authority have established an agreement allowing the railroad to run a Choice Terminal™ bulk transload facility out of the port’s Intermodal Distribution Center (IDC).
R.J. Corman names Quinn president and CEO
Edward Quinn III has been appointed president and CEO of R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC, effective Oct. 24, 2016.
RailWorks names Riddett president, CEO
Kevin Riddett has been appointed president and CEO of RailWorks Corporation effective Oct. 10.
KCS opens new Zacha terminal, names Watco operator
Kansas City Southern opened a new terminal with a familiar name and said Watco Transloading, L.L.C., will operate the new facility.
Chicago Rail Link testing grade-crossing safety pilot project
OmniTRAX’s Chicago Rail Link (CRL), a 72-mile shortline railroad on Chicago’s South Side, may soon have a remedy for its current local grade-crossing that can no longer withstand harsh conditions with traditional track circuits for its signal system.
Ready the ballast trains: Railroads prepare for Hurricane Matthew
Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm, is making its way to the southeast of the U.S. and is expected to bring torrential rain, damaging wind and potential devastation. The Weather Channel said the storm could strengthen to a Category 5 and is the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s east coast in 24 years.
EDA grants to fund rail projects in Illinois, South Dakota
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $5.1 million to two rail projects in Illinois and South Dakota.
Sec. Foxx tours federally funded Maine rail projects
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx joined Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) for a tour of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and the Port of Portland on Oct. 3.
Majority of elected officials support legislation to make 45G tax credit permanent
Legislation that would make the shortline tax credit, also referred to as 45G, permanent, has reached a milestone in its quest for cosponsors.