Rail projects to receive more than $170 million in TIGER grants (so far)
Elected officials sounded their victory horns as the notification process of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) VII awards began.
Yards & Terminals
GCT Canada breaks ground on rail yard reconfiguration project
GCT Canada, the operator of Canada’s flagship container terminal located in Port Metro Vancouver, has broken ground on its GCT Deltaport Intermodal Yard Reconfiguration Project.
Georgia Ports Authority plans $152 million capital plan for Brunswick
At the annual Brunswick State of the Port event October 20, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Executive Director Curtis Foltz discussed an ambitious $152 million capital improvement plan for Brunswick terminals during the next 10 years.
National Freight Strategic Plan provides roadmap to freight transport challenges
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released the draft National Freight Strategic Plan that offers specific policy proposals and solutions to address the challenges of moving freight in the U.S.
Rep. Norcross tours Port of Paulsboro rail project
On October 15, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey (RCCSJ) for a tour of its facility and its project at the Port of Paulsboro.
CTA awards 95th Street Terminal construction contract
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board has approved the award of a construction contract for the new, modern and larger 95th Street Terminal, one of the largest rail station projects in CTA history that will modernize transit and promote economic opportunity on Chicago’s south side.
SEDA-COG JRA, Graymont rail project supports clean coal
The SEDA – Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority (JRA), its private operator, Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, and Graymont, a lime and limestone product supplier, are partnering on a rail project aimed at moving material that helps reduce power plan emissions.
UP begins $90 million Port Laredo expansion
Between 2014 and 2040, freight moving in Texas is projected to nearly double, from two billion tons to more than 3.75 billion tons. A state advisory committee warned that such an extreme increase could worsen an already congested state highway system and alternative modes, such as rail, will be more important than ever if the state is to remain economically competitive.
Hurricane Joaquin could be MTA’s biggest test since Sandy
Should Hurricane Joaquin or its remnants track up the east coast, Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s fortification itiative that came into play following the damage Superstorm Sandy wrecked to the system will be put to the test.
NS renames Memphis yard in honor of Deb Butler
Norfolk Southern‘s yard in Memphis, Tenn., has a new name and it is “Harris Yard,” in honor of Deborah Harris Butler, the railroad’s executive vice president planning and chief information officer, who is retiring Oct. 1, 2015.
Port Miami celebrates completion of dredge and on-dock intermodal project
PortMiami heralded in the “big ship” era with the completion of its -50/-52 ft. Deep Dredge and On-dock Intermodal Rail project.
Ground breaks on Permian Rail Park in Texas
Twin Eagle Sand Logistics, LLC, a subsidiary of Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC, has broken ground on the Permian Rail Park located on the Union Pacific, approximately eight miles west of the city of Big Spring, Texas. The 530-acre rail park is Twin Eagle’s fifth terminal development and is centrally located to serve the Eastern side of the Permian Basin.
AREMA names new executive director and CEO
The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Board of Governors has appointed Elizabeth Caruso, CAE, as AREMA’s executive director and chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2015.
USDOT: Substantial demand underscores need for TIGER grants
Applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s seventh round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants totaled $9.8 billion, almost 20 times the $500 million set aside for the program, demonstrating the continued need for transportation investment nationwide.
KCS opens new terminal in Texas
Kansas City Southern (KCS) celebrated the dedication of its new intermodal terminal in Wylie, Texas, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local public officials July 30. After 12 months of construction, the more than $64 million terminal opened for operations on July 13.
LIRR releases draft environmental assessment of Mid-Suffolk Yard-Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion Project
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) made public a study that assesses the potential environmental impact of its proposed Mid-Suffolk Yard/Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion Project, which would enlarge the LIRR’s existing Ronkonkoma electric train yard just east of Ronkonkoma Station on land already owned by the MTA.
Georgia to build inland port to be served by CSX
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), Murray County and CSX signed a Memorandum of Agreement to establish the Appalachian Regional Port in Chatsworth. Its service area will include North Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and parts of Kentucky.
Former CSX executive joins Hanson
Hanson Professional Services Inc. hired former CSX executive Chris Durden as a vice president and senior railway principal.
Sioux Falls, BNSF reach agreement on yard purchase
Negotiations have concluded between the city of Sioux Falls, S.D., and BNSF for the purchase of the downtown rail yard. The city has agreed to purchase more than 10 acres of the rail yard for $27,334,500, utilizing funds from the federal highway bill.
Senate hearing focuses on technology’s role in transportation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security held a hearing on July 7 taking on the role technology plays in transportation systems.