Watco to buy Ann Arbor Railroad
Watco Railroad Company Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Watco Companies, L.L.C., has reached a definitive agreement to purchase the stock of the Ann Arbor Railroad, Inc. (AA).
Shortline/Regional
FRA grants funds for Pennsylvania rail bridge
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded the county of Lycoming, Pa., a $2.4-million Rail Line Relocation grant to build a new bridge spanning the Loyalsock Creek in Loyalsock Township and Montoursville Borough.
San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad sets safety record
The San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad (SPSR) set a new safety record December 23, 2012, completing 5,000 days of accident-free operations on the Benson, Ariz.-based shortline.
STB approves GWI’s control of RailAmerica railroads
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s application to control RailAmerica, Inc., and the RailAmerica railroads, effective December 28, 2012.
Two Ohio grade crossings to see upgrades
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission to upgrade two grade crossings in Wellston and Cincinnati.
WisDOT awards funds to revive freight service
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is contributing more than $17 million toward a rail restoration project in Sheboygan County.
Alabama railroad votes SMART representation
According to the United Transportation Union, train and engine service employees on Birmingham Terminal Railway, a Watco Transportation property, have voted to be represented by the SMART Transportation Division.
BLET members ratify new contract at Montana Rail Link
By a better than three-to-one majority, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Montana Rail Link (MRL) on November 20. The agreement covers approximately 400 members.
FRA proposes revisions to PTC rule
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proposing a revision to the rule concerning positive train control (PTC) in response to a petition from the Association of American Railroads (AAR).
Alton & Southern to expand RailComm system
Alton and Southern Railroad will expand its existing RailComm Yard Control System by adding several new components to the yard.
Genesee & Wyoming expands role in Utica shale development
Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s (GWI) wholly owned subsidiary, The Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road Company (CUOH), has signed a long-term agreement to serve the $900-million natural gas liquids (NGLs) fractionation hub being constructed in Scio, Ohio,
Alabama to relocate rail line with federal funds
The Federal Railroad Administration has provided the city of Sylacauga, Ala., a $1.59-million Rail Line Relocation Grant to relocate East Alabama Railway and Norfolk Southern interchange tracks away from the downtown area.
Construction stay lifted on Port MacKenzie rail project
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on construction for Alaska’s Port MacKenzie Rail project Nov. 28 and indicated that the environmental groups’ court challenge to the project will not prevail.
New union agreements on CP and Central Railroad of Indiana
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), System Council 11 and Canadian Pacific reached a tentative five-year labor agreement covering approximately 450 employees who maintain and install railway signals and communications systems across Canada.
AAR: Railroads committed to PTC implementation, despite challenges
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reinforced the railroad industry’s commitment to implementing PTC but recognized significant challenges remain to doing so.
Patriot Rail, TC&W name new executives
Patriot Rail Corp. hired George Avery Grimes, PE, Ph.D., to its management team as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Grimes will be responsible for revenue growth through initiation and evaluation of strategic acquisitions, infrastructure investments and margin expansion opportunities. He will also be Patriot Rail’s liaison with Class 1 railroad strategic projects.
Pennsylvania state grants to help 24 freight rail projects
The Pennsylviania State Transportation Commission has approved nearly 18.6 million for 24 freight rail projects, which will improve rail access, upgrade rail infrastructure and provide repairs.
Watco names two to maintenance and compliance teams
Watco Compliance Service appointed Christian Meeker to performance assurance engineer, nondestructive testing and welding processes. Meeker will be responsible for coaching, mentoring and pro¬viding leadership to Watco team members with respect to nondestructive testing and welding processes to ensure compliance with federal regulations, industry standards and Watco’s customer requirements.
Rail contractors at the ready to aid with Northeast cleanup
The recovery effort from Hurricane Sandy will be a monumental affair that will last weeks, if not months.
BNSF honors shortline partners, names Columbus & Greenville Shortline of the Year
The Columbus and Greenville Railway (CAGY), was recently named Shortline of the Year at BNSF ‘s annual Shortline Conference held last month in Irving, Texas.