News and Opinion

RailComm to provide remote control Blue Flag Indicator System to BNSF

BNSF’s Belen Yard in New Mexico will be adding RailComm’s Blue Flag Indicator System to their facility. The RailComm BFI System will allow a user to apply blue flag protection to the fueling tracks through the use of strategically located field control panels. These panels will be outfitted with keypad security that will only allow verified personnel to operate the system. The BFIs will be positioned in pairs at different locations along the track.

RailComm’s 2.4 GHz RADiANT spread spectrum data radios will be utilized to provide reliable and secure communication between the field and control locations.

New England HSR and intercity passenger rail projects receive $83 million in federal funds

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $82.7 million to improve high-speed and intercity passenger rail in Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. The dollars will provide needed upgrades to the Northeast Corridor, Connecticut’s New Haven – Springfield line, Maine’s Downeaster route and the Vermonter service.

"These are the kinds of investments that will improve reliability and on-time performance and attract more passengers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are creating jobs throughout New England, building our rails with American-made materials and growing the New England economy."

A highlight of the rail dollars includes:

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$26.2 million for the design and construction of an electrified third track parallel to the Northeast Corridor’s mainline and a new platform for the station in Kingston, RI. The third track will permit faster trains to overtake slower trains, reducing congestion and improving on-time performance on the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and commuter trains. Throughout the Northeast Corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston, $1.75 billion is being invested to improve service.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$3 million for preliminary engineering and environmental reviews for American with Disabilities Act compliant platforms at the Providence station on the Northeast Corridor. The project also includes improved parking and pedestrian access, station repairs, potential reconfiguration of transit circulation and drop-off facilities and future tunnel improvements.

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA)
$20.8 million to alleviate congestion and reduce delays on segments of Amtrak’s Downeaster service. The project will provide critically needed double track, as well as signal and highway-rail grade crossing improvements between Wilmington and Ballardville, Mass. Aging rail will be replaced with new, continuously-welded rail between Lawrence and Bradford, Mass. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority operates commuter trains on this line and on-time performance for the Downeaster has deteriorated due to bottlenecks within this area. Currently, the Downeaster operates from Boston to Portland, Maine and is expanding to Brunswick, Maine thanks to previous, federal grants totaling $38 million.

Connecticut Department of Transportation
$30 million for six miles of new double-tracks from Hartford to Windsor, Conn., which will connect with an existing siding to create a nine-mile double-tracks segment on Amtrak’s New Haven-Springfield line. In addition, a new 8,500-foot siding will be added through the Hartford Yard to better clear freight trains off Amtrak’s mainline. Together, this added capacity will substantially relieve existing congestion in the Hartford area and will support future increases in rail service. The project also includes repairs and maintenance to bridges, signal improvements and grade-crossing improvements. Connecticut previously received $40 million for double track work between New Haven and Hartford to reduce delays and improve travel time.

Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)
$2.7 million for a 16-mile extension of improved signal and train control technology to enhance the safety and operation of the Amtrak Vermonter service. Additionally, upgrades to the dispatch communication system will be made to enhance its reliability. VTrans previously received $50 million for improvements to the 190 miles of track between St. Albans and Vernon, Vt., servicing the Vermonter. The collective improvements will result in increased speeds, reduced travel time and greater reliability.

 

Washington state’ receives $31.1 million for rail, port improvements

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $31.1 million for the state of Washington to improve intercity passenger and freight rail service on the Cascades line.

"The investments we’re making in the Cascades line will improve reliability and service for passengers while putting people to work on crucial rail projects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "It’s a win-win because these investments will also help create jobs and grow the economy by building and maintaining railways with American-made materials."

A highlight of the rail dollars includes:

Pacific Northwest Corridor
$16.1 million for design, environmental review and construction work to stabilize and improve track structure along the rail line between Blaine, Wash., and the Columbia River Bridge in Vancouver, Wash. The upgrades along this route will increase service reliability by reducing the number of closures and delays due to inclement weather.

Vancouver-Port Access Rail Improvements
$15 million for construction of a new rail access route to the Port of Vancouver, including grade separation at an existing rail crossing which has acted as a significant choke point for rail traffic. This enhancement will substantially minimize delays affecting freight trains and Amtrak’s Cascades service. The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Port of Vancouver are contributing a combined total of $22 million to this project. Construction is expected to begin in July 2012.

 

NECR returns to normal post hurricane

Nearly four weeks ago, Hurricane Irene swept across RailAmerica-operated New England Central Railraod, which stretches from the Canadian border near St. Albans, Vt., to New London, Conn. Railroad crews discovered the extent of damage on August 30 and quickly restored service to NECR’s north end between Burlington and Swanton, Vt., and its south end between White River Junction, Vt., and New London, Conn.

Things were different on the NECR’s mid-section, roughly White River Junction to Essex Junction, Vt., where Irene downed trees, washed out track and knocked down bridges. Damage was especially severe across six miles of rail line near Roxbury, Vt. Rail service through the Roxbury area was restored on September 19. The NECR arranged for some shipments to move via detour trains and alternative routes while the Roxbury section of the railroad was out of service.

It took a team of close to 90 people and 15,000 tons of ballast to restore rail service on the NECR.

"We appreciate our colleagues’ hard work, our customers’ patience and the cooperation of our connecting carriers," said John Giles, RailAmerica president and chief executive officer. "I am especially proud of the fact that our professional railroaders handled this incredible job both quickly and safely."

The NECR worked closely with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to coordinate the work, gain access to otherwise closed state roads and perform emergency repairs. Several railroads in the region, including Canadian National, Pan Am Southern, Amtrak and Providence & Worcester provided much needed equipment to transport large volumes of rock and fill. Local Vermont vendors worked tirelessly to provide support in the form of crushing stone for ballast, trucking and railroad contract services. "We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts and team spirit," said Charles Hunter, RailAmerica AVP of Government Affairs.

UP invests more than $10 million in Colorado track improvements

Union Pacific will improve the transportation infrastructure in Colorado by investing more than $10 million in the rail line that runs from near the east portal of Moffat Tunnel to near Kremmling, Colo. Various projects over almost 70-miles of the line include removing and installing more than 55,600 crossties, as well as renewing the surfaces at 51 road crossings. Crews will also spread nearly 33,600 tons of ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and replace more than two miles of rail in various curves.

The curve rail and crossing surface projects began at the end of June and the tie project began Sept. 15. All projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

Chicago Transit Authority launches station renewal initiative:

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool announced a new CTA station renewal initiative designed to provide a facelift to 100 CTA rail stations over the next 12 months.

"Chicago is an international, world-class city and my administration is committed to investing in what’s right, to make sure every piece of it shines," said Mayor Emanuel. "With this new Station Renewal program we’ll have cleaner, brighter, more functional stations for CTA riders."

The initiative, performed by work crews comprised of different trade workers called the ‘Renew Crew’ focuses on providing repairs in a more efficient way, creating a cleaner, brighter and more appealing station that improves the customer travel experience.

"By consolidating disparate trades that used to operate independently on different schedules and at different locations, the station renewal program will integrate supplemental specialized private trade contractors," said Claypool. "This is sort of a SWAT team approach to comprehensively address all the outstanding issues at a station at once, cleaning, repairing and improving rather than the piecemeal approach used previously."

Work done at each station will be determined by the station’s specific needs and configurations, but can include such work as painting, new lighting, repairs, power washing walls and ceilings, replacing signs and landscaping.

The first station to receive a renewal was the Logan Square Blue Line station, where the Mayor, Alderman Colon and Claypool made the announcement. The next station to undergo renewal is the California station on the Blue Line.

CTA has added a dedicated page to its website where customers can learn which station is receiving a renewal in addition to the next stations scheduled each month. The website also will allow customers to provide feedback on the work completed.

Metrolink to begin using quiet cars Oct. 3

Beginning Oct. 3, a passenger car on every weekday Southern California Metrolink train will be designated as a quiet car to ensure peace and quiet for the passengers that prefer an almost noiseless commute. No loud talking or cell phones, smart phones or electronic devices that can be heard by others will be allowed on quiet cars.

"Our new quiet cars will make the commute on Metrolink trains even more enjoyable for those, like myself, who prefer a more peaceful commute," said Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz. "Some of our passengers prefer to socialize or do business on the train. We encourage that, just not on the new quiet cars."

There is no additional charge to ride in a quiet car. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers should be mindful of the limited availability of quiet car seating and place belongings below their seat or in their laps to allow as many passengers as possible to take advantage of the new option.

The second car away from the locomotive on each train set will be designated as the quiet car. Conductors and Metrolink customer service representatives can help passengers locate the quiet cars.

"This is one more way Metrolink is working to add value to our passengers. We offer a safe, reliable, convenient service that allows our passengers to save up to $10,000 annually," said Metrolink CEO John Fenton.

In May, Metrolink launched express trains. In July, Metrolink launched trains with additional space for bicycles. Quiet cars are the next service enhancement meant to take the customer experience to the next level.

UP to invest $300 million in Nebraska, Iowa corridor

Union Pacific Railroad is investing nearly $300 million over the next several years on its central corridor between Fremont, Neb., and Missouri Valley, Iowa, which provides vital support for the nation’s economic growth and a primary shipping lane for the products American families and businesses use every day.

"When complete, this multi-year double-track project will help us operate more efficiently, increase train velocity and support our ability to add capacity as our customers’ freight transportation needs grow," said Randy Blackburn, Union Pacific regional vice president – North.

UP plans to invest approximately $3.3 billion in capital during 2011, which supports America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhances the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

Union Pacific this year began construction of three miles of second mainline and a three-mile passing track west of Missouri Valley, Iowa. The track is scheduled to be completed by mid 2012. These projects are part of a nearly $300 million investment in building 29 miles of second mainline track between Fremont, Neb., and Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Trains traveling from the West Coast to Chicago operate over Union Pacific’s central corridor. When eastbound trains get to Fremont, Neb., they operate either through Blair, Neb., to Missouri Valley, Iowa, to continue east to Chicago or they go to Omaha, Neb., then north to Missouri Valley to continue east.

The Blair route is 25 miles shorter than the Omaha route. Though shorter, the Blair line is currently single track and train capacity is limited between Missouri Valley and Fremont. When the double-track project is complete, each train that operates over the shorter Blair route will save two to four hours travel time.

Charlotte streetcar project gets $25 million

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx gathered at Central Piedmont Community College to award the City of Charlotte with nearly $25 million for a streetcar line that will improve access to jobs, housing, schools and will spur economic development in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The group also called on Congress to immediately pass President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which will invest in job-creating transportation projects like the Charlotte Streetcar all across the country.

"Putting American workers on transportation construction sites in cities like Charlotte is a crucial part of the President’s vision for the future of this country," said Secretary LaHood. "Unemployed construction workers across the country are ready to roll up their sleeves right now. Congress needs to pass the American Jobs Act right away and to put America back to work."

Six stops will be built as part of the initial 1.5-mile section of the Charlotte Streetcar Project, including the Charlotte Transportation Center near Time-Warner Cable Arena, the city’s Government Center, McDowell Street, Central Piedmont Community College, Travis Avenue and Presbyterian Hospital. This is the first phase of a planned 10-mile streetcar line that will serve the entire metropolitan Charlotte area.

The City of Charlotte has acquired three vintage streetcars to be used for the project, which is funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s Urban Circulator Grant Program. The Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) will operate and maintain the streetcar system once it is constructed.

British Columbia Premier reveals jobs plan anchored in rail

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark revealed her Canadian jobs plan, "Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan," which will be formally released on Thursday and is designed to help secure B.C. as the preferred gateway to Asia-Pacific trade and enable the provinice’s resources to get to world markets.

"I am in Prince Rupert today because if you are looking at Canada from Asia, with an eye to investing in our country, Canada truly starts here," said Premier Clark. "It is through British Columbia ports where resources are shipped to Asia, and where goods arrive for distribution at home and to the rest of North America. A bright economic future for British Columbians is linked to opening up Asia-Pacific markets to the rest of Canada, and B.C.’s transportation network will be the key to success."

The province confirmed a CA$15 million (US$15.107 million) contribution for the CA$90-million (US$90.642 million) Road Rail Utility Corridor project, Phase 1 of a planned CA$300-million (US$302.139 million) development at the Port of Prince Rupert. This project includes investments of CA$30 million (US$30.214 million) from CN and CA$30 million (USS$30.214 million) from the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The federal government continues to work through its process to determine its participation with respect to the remaining CA$15 million (US$15.107 million).

The CA$90-million (US$90.642 million) Road Rail Utility Corridor Project will expand Ridley Island’s terminal capacity to help meet Asia’s demand for Western Canada’s natural resources. The project includes construction of new inbound and outbound rail lines and the extension of on-site rail and utilities. The investment will create more than 570 direct construction jobs over the life of the project and will further provide up to 4,000 operational jobs after all construction is complete.

Iowa Pacific to upgrade Permian Basin track

Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) will perform extensive upgrades to its Texas-New Mexico Railroad (TNMR) subsidiary, a key rail line in the Permian Basin oilfield. TNMR has experienced massive growth in rail carloads as a result of the vast expansion of oil and gas drilling and production in the Permian Basin. IPH’s recent sale of a rail line in Arizona has resulted in the availability of substantial funds for capital spending on existing infrastructure, facilities and equipment.

 TNMR operates between a connection with the Union Pacific at Monahans, Texas and Lovington, N.M., about 100 miles away. The line was built in the 1920’s when the Permian Basin oilfield was first developed. IPH has invested about $10 million in track upgrades in the past two years, mostly for crossties and improvements to surface and alignment. The new, multi-year program will cost more than $20 million and will include installation of new, heavier rail to support increased volumes of heavy cars of sand, crude oil and other oilfield commodities. It will also include upgrades to TNMR’s locomotive fleet and a new locomotive maintenance facility to be constructed in Eunice, N.M. TNMR’s carloads have tripled in 2011 from 2010, and are currently running at an annual rate of 7,000 cars per year. New customers coming on stream in 2011 and 2012 will result in another tripling of carloads to 21,000. In addition, a proposed crude oil unit train facility is under development, and could add another 30,000 annual carloads to the railroad as early as 3rd quarter 2012.

Connecticut Governor releases $30 million in HSR funds

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy released $30 million in federal funding for the Amtrak-owned New Haven-Hartford-Springfield passenger rail corridor. In May 2011, the Federal Railroad Administration announced that Connecticut would receive $30 million of the $2 billion in federal funding that the state of Florida had declined.

"Improving passenger rail service – and our overall transportation network – is one of the keys to improving our economy and our business climate," said Governor Malloy. "We were aggressive in pursuing these federal funds and I thank President Obama, Secretary LaHood, and our Congressional Delegation for helping us make our vision of higher speed rail a reality. Upon completion, this rail line will have a direct and immediate impact on congestion through the I-91 corridor, a benefit for Connecticut and all of our Northeast neighbors."

The funding will be used to double track 5.8 miles of the corridor beginning just north of the Hartford Station and extending to the Windsor Station. The work will also include improvements to a freight siding in the Hartford Yard and safety improvements to at-grade crossings as far north as Windsor Locks. These funds will also allow for an advance project, planned for the spring to install Amtrak signal cable between New Haven and Hartford, to be extended to Springfield.

James Redeker, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, thanked Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin for their support of Connecticut’s application. In addition to the $30 million for Connecticut, Amtrak will receive $450 million, to be used on the Philadelphia-New York City portion of the Washington-Boston rail corridor.

Plans for the rail project include service every 30 minutes during peak rush-hour periods and every 60 minutes throughout the day. By 2030, projections anticipate 1.26 million riders annually. The state expects to complete all design work on the project in 2013 and launch the new service in 2016.

CSX Intermodal Terminals wins Dr. William W. Hay award

CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc., won the Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence on Monday, Sept. 19 at the AREMA Annual Conference as part of Railway Interchange 2011 in Minneapolis for it’s work on CSX Intermodal Terminals Northwest Trans-Shipment Terminal.

KCS sees growth opportunities in Altamira/Tampico region

KCS’ "L" line provides a direct connection from the ports of Altamira and Tampico on the Gulf Coast to central Mexico, the Pacific Coast and the U.S. KCS’ Mexico-based business development team, led by vice president sales and marketing David Eaton, traveled to the region for a series of meetings to learn more about how KCS can contribute to the growth.

Altamira Port Authority director Julian Dip Leos and general administrator of API Tampico Manuel Flores Guerra confirmed in separate meetings that KCS’ ability to connect the ports with the rest of the country is an important benefit and essential for attracting new manufacturing to the area. In these meetings, KCS talked with the ports about developing new business and joint strategies for growing the chemical and metals business.

The KCS team met with local customers and members of the Altamira regional industrial association, AISTAC, to talk about KCS’ service to the chemicals and metals market in the region. AISTAC director Salvador Salazar Herrera also confirmed that the KCS "L" line is a vital connection between Altamira, central Mexico and the U.S.

KCS also met with transload terminals in the region to find opportunities to work with shippers without direct rail access. Transportation superintendent Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez joined the team for all of the meetings to explore strategies to improve service to existing customers, in addition to developing new business.

Loram to acquire Tranergy Corp.

Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. and Tranergy Corporation have reached a definitive agreement for Loram to acquire all assets of Tranergy.

"Loram’s vision is to be respected globally as the leader in the railway infrastructure markets we serve. The Tranergy acquisition allows Loram to further its leadership position in rail life extension by combining rail grinding with friction modification management," said Phil Homan, Loram president and CEO. "Loram is excited to welcome Dr. Kumar and his team to Loram and to expand Tranergy’s friction management offerings and increase its market share."

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to become a part of the Loram family," said Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Tranergy founder, chairman, president and CEO. "We are excited to work jointly with Loram to further advance and implement our superior friction management products and services. In Loram, we have found a partner that exemplifies the values and innovation that over the past 25 years have brought Tranergy to where we are today. It is now time to work jointly to expand our offerings and increase our visibility in freight and transit rail markets worldwide. "

Tranergy, Inc., a new subsidiary of Loram, will manufacture friction management products that include: CurvGlideTM top of rail friction management systems, SwitchEnhancerTM switch lubrication devices and YardGlide® for friction modification in yards.

Tranergy, Inc. will also solely develop and market TracGlide®, a train mounted top of rail friction management system. Tranergy, Inc. will continue to focus on providing outstanding service to its customers from its Bensenville, Ill. headquarters.

Closing of the acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions.

 

Maryland DOT receives $22 million to study replacement, expansion of Susquehanna River Bridge

The Maryland Department of Transportation received $22 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete preliminary engineering and environmental work for replacement and expansion of the Susquehanna River Bridge on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor that stretches from Boston, Mass., to Washington, D.C.

The 105 year-old Susquehanna River Bridge is a major rail chokepoint for passengers traveling along the NEC and requires significant and constant maintenance. Replacement and expansion of the bridge is a key component to the region’s long-term plans to drastically expand capacity and improve reliability and on-time performance for high-speed and regional trains.

The NEC is Amtrak’s most heavily traveled route, servicing both the high-speed Acela and Northeast Regional services and carried more than 10 million passengers in 2010 with an expected increase of approximately six percent in 2011. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the NEC received $449.94 million to upgrade electrical systems and tracks between Trenton, N.J. and New York City, with an initial increase in top operating speeds up to 160 mph and future maximum speeds of 186 mph. Another $294.78 million for New York’s Harold interlocking, will alleviate major delays for trains coming in and out of Manhattan with new routes that allow Amtrak trains to bypass the busiest passenger rail junction in the nation.

Winnipeg’s Union Station upgrades completed

VIA Rail Canada has completed CA$3 million (US$3,050,330) to Union Station in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. The Honorable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) was joined by VIA Chairman Paul G. Smith; VIA President Marc Laliberté; Winnipeg Deputy Mayor Justin Swandel and BOMA Manitoba President Tom Skraba.

"These impressive upgrades to Winnipeg’s historic station are a shining example of the positive results to emerge from Canada’s Economic Action Plan," said Minister Fletcher. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects like this that not only improve passenger rail service but create jobs right here in Winnipeg."

Union Station’s renovations included major repairs to the station roof and train shed, including upgrades to make the more than 100-year-old station more energy efficient, while carefully maintaining the distinctive features of the heritage building’s Beaux-Arts design. As a result of these upgrades, Union Station was awarded the BESt level 2 certification for energy efficiency by the Building Owners and Managers Association of Manitoba (BOMA). Funding for the project came from the Government of Canada’s CA$923 million (US$938,485,000) investment in VIA Rail for improvements to its facilities, equipment and infrastructure. This includes CA$407 million (US$413,828,000) through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

CP railroaders to show off spike driving skills at Railway Interchange

Canadian Pacific is bringing a unique competition to Minneapolis as the railroad’s annual Spike Driving Competition is being held in the United States for the first time.

Following district "spike offs," the top 16 men and women across CP’s 14,800-mile network in Canada and the United States will meet at the railroad’s Humboldt Yard on Sunday, September 18 to compete for fastest man and woman spike driver in the company.

"While there is so much modern technology that goes into track building and track maintenance, including special spike driving machines or hydraulic spike drivers, manual spike driving is still done for small jobs or for general clean-up work," said Brent Szafron general manager of track renewal and work equipment. "Track workers still need to be able to drive spikes. This competition showcases that special skill, which goes back to the building of the original railroad."

Participants will get two tries to hammer three spikes into softwood ties with winners receiving cash prizes and bragging rights until the next year’s spike driving competition.

Competition will start at 1:00 p.m. near the front entrance of Humboldt Yard, 2650 49th Avenue N, Minneapolis, Minn.

ORDC approves shortline projects, agrees to administer Leipsic rail connection

A project to create a new connection to three railroads from the Iron Highway Industrial Park at Leipsic, Ohio, will be administered by the Ohio Rail Development Commission, after ORDC Commissioners approved the move at its regular meeting. ORDC will administer the funding for the project on behalf of the Ohio Department of Transportation. The funds were awarded by ODOT’s Transportation Review Advisory Committee.

The $800,000 project will improve rail connections to the Iron Highway Industrial Park, which includes a designated Ohio Jobs Ready site and already hosts the POET Ethanol Facility. The park is served by three railroads: Norfolk Southern, CSX and the Indiana & Ohio (RailAmerica) Railroad.

Also approved was a project to rehabilitate the Wooster Branch of the RJ Corman Line, a 3.5 mile line that serves six rail shippers that employ 300 people. RJ Corman Lines is currently working with local economic development officials on ways to generate more business. The track rehab project will aid in that effort by allowing safer, more reliable rail service. It’s estimated by ORDC that the improved track will also keep 2,516 trucks annually off of local highways and save costs for local shippers by slightly more than $274,000 thousand dollars.

Thirteen miles of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway’s Sandy Line in Stark and Tuscarawas County will also get a major rehab with new safety ties to enable better safety and service. The line’s major shipper is American Refining, which ships carloads of oil on the line. The upgrade of ties will enable more carloads of oil, enhance safety and help retain 25 jobs. It will also keep 6,780 trucks a year off of local highways.

ORDC Commissioners also agreed to allow an extension of a lease on the state-owned Glass Rock Line, an abandoned and unused line for more than 10 years. The lease extension will allow additional time for a proposed tourist railroad, the Zanesville & Western, to complete planned track and safety repairs and brush clearing. The Z&W has until the end of June 2012 to complete the work. The line runs from Avondale in Muskingum County to the village of Glass Rock in Perry County.

A long-sought flood control remedy along the state-owned Panhandle Line was also approved. The project, aided by an $85,000 grant from ORDC, will enable a storm water culvert to be installed near the village of Marne in Licking County. The work will be done by a contractor hired by the Ohio Central Railroad (Genesee & Wyoming), with nearby additional flood control work to be done by the Licking County Engineer. The installation of the culvert resolves a severe flooding problem.

Metro-North to resume train service from Port Jervis to Harriman Sept. 19

Three weeks after Hurricane Irene caused catastrophic damage that forced a complete shutdown of the Port Jervis Line, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad will partially resume rail service on the line Monday, September 19. Simultaneously, a massive effort is underway to repair the line as soon as possible.

To provide a more reliable and predictable service, the railroad will use that portion of the line not severely damaged by the storm from Port Jervis to Harriman, where buses will take customers to the NJ Transit station at Ramsey/Route17. There train service, including some newly added semi-express trains will be provided to Secaucus, Penn Station and Hoboken.

"This is the first of many steps Metro-North is taking to restore full train service. We believe it is an improvement over the bus plan in place for the past few weeks," said Metro-North President Howard Permut. "Train service offers the most consistently reliable travel times when compared to bus service, which can be delayed by road conditions and traffic.

This plan will be in effect for the next few months as the 14 miles between Harriman and Suffern is repaired.

Metro-North Railraod employees are rebuilding the line so that train service can resume as soon as possible. Capital construction managers are assessing damage, designing repairs and writing specifications. The Procurement Department is trying to locate vendors with enough rock to fill the washouts. The Track Department is repairing the places where the damage is less severe in order to expedite the work and reduce the work of the contractor eventually hired. Further, MTA Real Estate is negotiating with landowners so that men, machines and material can get access to the railroad right-of-way at multiple locations to speed repair work.

"It is an all-hands-on-deck effort and all Metro-North departments are involved in the tremendous effort to get train service back on the Port Jervis Line and I’m proud of the work our people are doing," Permut said.