INFRA grants: $148M to CREATE and Ohio rail projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recommended 26 projects to be awarded a total of $1.54 billion in federal funds as part of the FY18 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. USDOT had up to $1.56 billion available for grants.

Darr leaving ASLRRA

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association President Linda Darr on June 5 announced her resignation, effective July 27, from the organization she has led since late 2014. She has accepted a CEO role with the American Council of Engineering Companies and will begin in her new position this August, a statement said.

 

Rep. Sanford tours new Geismar-MTM facility in Beaufort, S.C.

Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC-1), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined representatives June 4 from Geismar-Modern Track Machinery (Geismar-MTM) and industry stakeholders for a tour of Geismar’s new Beaufort manufacturing facility.

NCDOT stages crossing accident to educate drivers on risks

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division’s BeRailSafe program, in partnership with N.C. Operation Lifesaver, conducted a staged train crash May 30 in Star, N.C.

Deal reached for Hudson Bay Railway; Port of Churchill

An agreement in principle has been reached between Missinippi Rail Partners and Fairfax Financial Holdings and OmniTRAX Inc. to restore rail service to northern Manitoba and transfer ownership of the Port of Churchill.

Just one word: Plastics

IRIS USA, a manufacturer and distributor of injection-molded plastic products, is building a new manufacturing plant at the Humboldt Industrial Park, Hazleton, Pa., on the Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN).

 

Schenck Process launches new rail scale system

Schenck Process is offering an online rail scale system it says saves time and improves productivity.

 

RAC reiterates need for dedicated shortline railroad capital funding

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is calling on the government of Canada and its provinces to support programs that provide shortline railroads with dedicated funding for infrastructure investment.

FRA plans June 4 webinar to discuss PTC grants

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will host a webinar on June 4 aimed at helping those seeking funding for the recently announced positive train control (PTC) grants.

Huron Central will cease operations by end of the year

Operations will cease by the end of 2018 along the Huron Central Railway (HCRY), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Canada Inc., which cites a lack of provincial funding needed to maintain service.

iChurchill pulls out of Hudson Bay Rail negotiations

A consortium that expressed interest in purchasing the flood-damaged Hudson Bay Railway (HBR), the Port of Churchill and associated assets, has halted negotiations and cites the government of Canada’s “unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.”

AAPA member survey highlights $20 billion in rail access needs

A recent survey by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) found members identified a need in excess of $20 billion during the next decade for multimodal port and rail access, but cited “funding/financing options” as the biggest hurdle.

Ashcroft Terminals will enhance rail links with federal funds

The Government of Canada’s Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, has announced a CA$9.2 million (US7.18 million) investment for a project at Ashcroft Terminal that will improve terminal infrastructure.

 

AAR publishes white paper highlighting rail’s tech advancements

Ahead of an event held on Capitol Hill to demonstrate the rail industry’s innovations, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) released a white paper highlighting technology’s role in making the U.S. rail network safer, more efficient and more reliable.

Alaska Railroad repairing tracks from flood damage

Ice jams have caused flooding along parts of Alaska Railroad’s line north of Talkeetna resulting in suspended service due to scoured ballast.

Canada will fund 60% of Lac-Megantic rail bypass project

A 12.8-km (7.9-mile) route will allow trains to bypass the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, were a fiery train derailment left 47 people dead in July 2013.

OmniTRAX joins Blockchain in Transport Alliance

An increasing number of rail-related companies are joining an initiative to develop secure digital transactions.

 

Planning grant will advance Mississippi port rail project

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has been awarded a $574,000 grant to fund planning, surveying and permitting for a 4,300-foot rail connection in Jackson County.

AAR, NS want clear, supportive regulatory approach to automation

The Association of American Railroads and Norfolk Southern filed comments with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on May 7 asking for a level regulatory playing field regarding automation.

New consortium expresses interest in purchasing Hudson Bay Rail line

On May 3, a consortium of Manitoba First Nations, led by Chief Glenn Hudson, and in partnership with iChurchill Inc., a private Canadian company, said it entered into an agreement to purchase the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR), the Port of Churchill and associated assets.

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