Ready the ballast trains: Railroads prepare for Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm, is making its way to the southeast of the U.S. and is expected to bring torrential rain, damaging wind and potential devastation. The Weather Channel said the storm could strengthen to a Category 5 and is the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s east coast in 24 years.

PANYNJ approves eight-year plan to overhaul Sandy-damaged tunnels

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved a major overhaul of two PATH tunnels damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Legislation looks to address TSA holes in surface transportation security

A new piece of legislation, S. 3379, the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act, aims to shore up holes found in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) approach to transportation safety.

Quad-Cities passenger rail grant deadline extended

Federal funding to support the reintroduction of passenger rail between Chicago and the Quad Cities area has been preserved with an extension agreement.

Amtrak names program management support team for Gateway Program

Amtrak has chosen Hill International and CH2M to provide program management support services for its Gateway Program in the Northeast Corridor. 

Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx issue two RFQs, one RFP for station, tunnel work

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx are moving forward with the procurement process to build four GO rail stations and a rail tunnel to support Go Regional Express Rail (RER).

FRA awards $25 million in safety grants

Safety at crossings, stations and tracks in 14 states and the District of Columbia will be enhanced thanks to $25 million in grants awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

TranSystems hires Shaeffer as senior project manager

TranSystems Corp., an engineering and architecture solutions consulting firm, has hired Dana Shaeffer, PE, as its new senior project manager.

Public transit deemed safest way to commute

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a study this week that reveals a 90 percent drop in safety risks for those who commute using public transportation rather than driving.

ConnDOT prefers long span vertical lift bridge for Walk Bridge replacement

The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) preferred alternative to replace the Walk Bridge in Norwalk, Conn., is a Long Span Vertical Lift bridge.

WSDOT still has $5 million available for freight rail projects

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has reopened the application period for $5 million in loans for freight rail projects.

HNTB adds rail expert Joseph Rago to team

Joseph Rago, PE, CEM, LEED, joined HNTB Corporation as senior project manager and associate vice president in the firm’s Northeast Division rail and transit practice. He is based in the firm’s Newark, New Jersey, office.

Springfield Rail Project takes a step forward with completed Carpenter Street underpass

Officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 29 to mark the completion of the Carpenter Street underpass, a grade separation project that will also help support larger rail improvements in Springfield, Ill.

TranSystems wins Hay award at AREMA Conference

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) presented the 2016 Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence to TranSystems for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program P-1 Englewood Flyover project.

LACMTA, NCDOT outline plans for federal grants

Officials on opposite sides of the country outlined plans to enhance safety of local rail systems using recently awarded federal funds.

TEX Rail construction gets underway

The 27-mile TEX Rail commuter rail project kicked off construction activities with a trio of groundbreaking ceremonies in Fort Worth, Grapevine and North Richland Hills, Texas on Aug. 24.

CDPQ Infra enters aerial structure agreement with CN

CDPQ Infra announced Aug. 24 that the company has entered an agreement with Canadian National Railway (CN) to further its Réseau Electrique Métropolitain (REM) project.

University of Huddersfield finds cost-effective way to increase crossing safety

A United Kingdom-based team says it is feasible to enhance grade-crossing safety using a network of tiny wireless sensors powered by vibrations of an approaching train.

Canada, Ontario reach US$2.3B funding agreement for infrastructure

The government of Canada and the province of Ontario reached an agreement that makes CA$2.97 billion (US$2.3 billion) in combined funding available for infrastructure improvements in the province.

CTC allocates $55M to rail, safety projects in California

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $814 million to 135 transportation projects in the state and includes $55 million to four rail and safety projects.

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