Feinberg calls for greater action to enhance crossing safety
Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg is calling for additional action to remedy a “solvable problem” by preventing fatalities at grade crossings.
Yards & Terminals
Watco Transloading to operate Norfolk Southern TBT Terminal in Ohio
Watco Transloading, LLC, reached a definitive licensed agreement with Norfolk Southern to operate the Class 1’s Sandusky, Ohio, Thoroughbred Bulk Terminal (TBT Terminal).
USDOT creates Build America Bureau
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has established the Build America Bureau, which will drive transportation infrastructure development projects in the United States by streamlining credit and grant opportunities while providing technical assistance and encouraging innovative best practices in project planning, financing, delivery and monitoring.
CSX moves Carolina Connector; debuts new intermodal service
CSX put a stop to the controversy surrounding its planned Carolina Connector (CCX) intermodal facility in Johnson County, N.C., by moving the project to Rocky Mount in Edgecombe County.
Two arguments on two-person crews
As reported by Railway Age, the Federal Railroad Administration, at a June 15, 2016 hearing regarding the agency’s proposed rule mandating two-person crews, heard two sharply contrasting arguments, one from freight rail management, the other from labor.
OmniTRAX transloads major steel shipment
OmniTRAX Logistics Services, LLC, the transloading, terminal and logistics affiliate of OmniTRAX, Inc., recently managed the handling and warehousing of more than 10 million pounds of coiled steel for one of its transload customers in Sand Springs, Okla.
2016 annual grade crossing report
Whether they are made of concrete, wood, composite or rubber, grade-crossing surfaces are made to provide a smooth, safe surface for railroads and vehicles to traverse across.
New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track
New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.
Canadian environmental agency seeks input on potential impacts of rail yard
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is seeking comments regarding the proposed North American Polypropylene Rail Yard Project, located in Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada.
FRA issues new rules to protect M/W workers, expands drug testing
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued two final rules to better protect railroad employees working on or near railroad tracks.
LACMTA breaks ground on rail yard near LAX
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) broke ground on a $172-million maintenance and administrative facility for light-rail vehicles servicing the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project and the Green Line.
Tulsa Port of Catoosa completes $11M dock renovation
Tulsa is primed to expand shipping capacity as the Panama Canal expansion nears completion with newly renovated dock and rail facilities.
Port of Tucson celebrates rail improvements
The Federal Railroad Administration, Pima County Arizona, the Port of Tucson and Union Pacific joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12, celebrating the expansion of the port’s rail infrastructure.
Pennsylvania commission approves funds for 31 rail projects
The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission approved $36 million for 31 rail projects across 34 counties.
Railroad Construction company celebrates 90 years
Railroad Construction Company has grown significantly in its 90 years. The company still embraces the values established at conception and remains a strong, family-owned business.
NRC Project of the Year: Port of Long Beach, Pier E
Herzog Contracting Corp. and Reyes Construction worked to safely build a 345-acre intermodal yard that will help the Port of Long Beach increase capacity and cut air pollution.
Simplified Green Line Extension plan approved by MassDOT, MBTA FMCB
The planned Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX) has been approved to proceed in a simplified version following months of project re-evaluation.
FRA makes $25 million available for rail infrastructure safety upgrades
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is now accepting applications from local governments, states and railroads for $25 million in competitive grants to increase rail safety. Applications are due by June 14, 2016.
THUD allocates $56.5 billion to fund transportation
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development passed $56.5 billion legislation to fund its programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, including several allocations for rail.
Lower traffic, bid to drive efficiencies prompt NS to reduce Knoxville operations
Norfolk Southern will reduce train operations at its Knoxville, Tenn., rail yard, effective May 1, which is in response to lower traffic volumes and is consistent with the company’s ongoing implementation of its strategic plan to enhance operating efficiencies, reduce costs, drive profitability and support long-term growth.