Shortline/Regional

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.

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.

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.

Iowa Pacific to operate Santa Cruz branch line

The Regional Transportation Commission for Santa Cruz County in Southern California authorized the selection of Iowa Pacific Holdings to operate on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. The RTC will enter into an administration, coordination and license agreement with Iowa Pacific to conduct freight and passenger rail service, as well as maintain the line and provide general commercial insurance.

NCRR, CATS and NS reach agreements for LYNX Blue Line extension

The North Carolina Railroad Company, the Charlotte Area Transit System and Norfolk Southern signed lease, construction and operating agreements for the LYNX Blue Line Extension light-rail project along the North Carolina Railroad corridor. The 2.7-mile section begins near East 12th Street and ends a half mile east of Eastway Drive in Charlotte, N.C.

Ohio commission approves crossing work

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission, authorizing Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway to install flashing lights and gates at the County Road 35A (001-913V) grade crossing in Wyandot County.

Feds ok freight rail service to Adirondacks region

The Surface Transportation Board approved the request of Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, for common carrier status, which will allow them to reopen the Tahawus Line between North Creek and Newcomb, N.Y., and resume hauling freight to and from businesses along that line.

ASLRRA names both Safety Pro, Safety Person of the Year

The American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association has named Tyrone James, vice president of Safety & Compliance at Genesee & Wyoming, as the winner of this year’s Safety Professional of the Year Award. ASLRRA also announced that Aaron Willet, superintendent of Operations at the Illinois Railway, as the winner of its 2012 Safety Person of the Year award.

BLET members ratify new contract with GWR in Colorado

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have unanimously ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Great Western Railway of Colorado. The three-year agreement runs through February 15, 2015, and includes a lump sum allowance that is retroactive to July 1, 2008.

Metrolink CEO Fenton resigns, heading to Patriot Rail

Southern California’s Metrolink Chief Executive Officer, John Fenton will step down from his post at Metrolink after leading a two-year comprehensive reorganization that has put in place new leadership, policies and standards that have increased ridership and enhanced safety in the region.

SteelRiver reaches agreement to acquire Patriot Rail Corp.

SteelRiver Infrastructure Partners, an independent investment management firm focused on investment and asset management services within the infrastructure asset class in North America, has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the capital stock of Patriot Rail Corp. through its dedicated infrastructure investment vehicle SteelRiver Infrastructure Fund North America LP.

HDR acquires Stetson Engineering, Inc.

HDR, Inc., has acquired the business of Stetson Engineering, Inc., a Wyoming-based firm with offices in Gillette and Riverton. Stetson Engineering, Inc., specializes in design, engineering and consulting services related to water, sewer, storm sewer, hydrology and transportation.