News and Opinion

UP invests $11.2M in Colorado track improvements

Union Pacific will continue improving Colorado’s transportation infrastructure with an $11.2 million investment to enhance the rail line that runs from Grand Junction, Colo., to near Somerset, Colo. The 75-mile project includes removing and installing nearly 81,000 railroad ties, renewing the surfaces in 64 road crossings and installing nearly a mile of new rail in various curves on the line. Crews will also spread 43,700 tons of ballast to ensure a stable roadbed.

UP plans to spend approximately $3.2 billion in 2011 to support America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhance the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

Orbitz for Business partners with SilverRail to add online rail search

Orbitz for Business, the corporate travel group of Orbitz Worldwide Inc., has joined SilverRail Technologies, an online search and booking solutions company specializing in passenger rail transportation. The technology partnership enables Orbitz for Business customers to seamlessly plan and book rail travel through the Orbitz for Business tool and makes Orbitz for Business the first major online travel company to announce integrated, online rail capabilities for U.S. business travelers.

The new rail content is delivered through the familiar Orbitz for Business interface, with a user experience similar to how customers currently search and book flights, hotels and car rentals. Under the agreement with SilverRail, Orbitz for Business customers can now search and book all U.S.-based Amtrak destinations online, with future expansion planned for Canada and European markets.

"Many of our customers in regions like the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. have a preference for rail over short distance flights," said Frank Petito, president, Orbitz for Business. "In order to better serve these customers, the SilverRail partnership allows Orbitz for Business to deliver a more comprehensive set of travel products with the scale and flexibility to expand our rail offerings in the future."

"Online connectivity among rail operators, passengers and travel distributors has traditionally lagged behind other travel services," said Aaron Gowell, CEO and founder, SilverRail Technologies. "SilverRail’s technology platform is bringing rail distribution back on par with air travel and other modes of transportation. We are excited to work with Orbitz for Business to deliver integrated, online rail content to their corporate customers."

This marks the launch of a broad rail implementation strategy for Orbitz for Business. Effective immediately, customers can search and purchase U.S. rail travel on Amtrak through a single online booking path. Travelers can access itineraries for all Amtrak routes and destinations in the U.S. and cancel their reservation online when business or trip requirements change. Additionally, travel managers have access to company-specific reporting for all new Amtrak bookings.

Further enhancements are planned for later this year.

MBTA teams with feds on security campaign

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano have launched the updated, "If You See Something, Say Something" Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority security awareness campaign during a visit to Boston’s South Station. The campaign urges the public to take an active role keeping the city and the transit system safe and secure.

"We are pleased that Secretary Napolitano has joined us to kick off this campaign," said Lieutenant Governor Murray. "By partnering with federal, state and local agencies as well as the public, we will raise awareness and encourage all riders to take an active role in reporting suspicious behavior, as we work to keep our transit system safe for every one."

"Our partners in Boston have long demonstrated their understanding that we each have a role to play in security," said Secretary Napolitano. "I encourage Bostonians on the ‘T’ or anywhere else in town-if you see potentially suspicious behavior, say something to local law enforcement."

The "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign is funded by a $1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Transit Security grant program. It promotes a collaborative effort of state and local agencies working together educating the public to be more aware of their surroundings, and report any behavior that may appear suspicious to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities. The MBTA originally adopted the campaign in 2003, based upon a campaign implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority.

"Public safety for all citizens that utilize our transit system each and every day is certainly most important above all else. This campaign allows passengers that board the subway stations and platforms to be instrumental in preventing a potential crime," said Rep. Bill Straus, Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation. "Repeated announcements asking riders to report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities will certainly enhance awareness for transit commuters to be continuously aware of their surroundings."

"Safety for our customers and our employees is a top priority of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and MBTA," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. "The MBTA Transit Police and MBTA employees are on the front lines in keeping the system safe, and we depend upon the public’s assistance in this daily effort."

"We have re-energized our message to customers reminding them to be aware of their surroundings while on the system and in our stations," said General Manager Richard Davey. "If you see something out of the ordinary it is worth reporting."

The 2011 revitalized campaign uses posters and vehicle car cards along with unique elements customers may encounter during their commute to distribute the "See Something Say Something" message. MassDOT and the MBTA will also use social media including the MassDOT blog, YouTube and Twitter to ask for the public’s help.

 

Metra UP North project set to begin, no schedule change

Chicago area Metra will resume work in April on a major project to replace 22 aging bridges along the Union Pacific North line on the north side of Chicago, as well as to build a completely new Ravenswood Station.

Unlike last summer, when Metra tried to operate inbound and outbound UP North trains on a single track in the construction zone, the new plan calls for maintaining the existing two-track operation. That means the current UP North schedule will not be changed.

The new approach will cost up to $42.2 million more, bringing the total cost of the project to $215 million. That’s because keeping two tracks open will require a new track to be built closer to the western edge of the right of way, which in turn will require extensive and expensive retaining wall work to support the new track.

The 22 bridges are more than 100 years old and can no longer be economically repaired and maintained. The new bridges will offer increased safety and will last for more than 100 years.

Their replacement will be done in two phases of 11 bridges each. The first phase, which will cost $112 million and take until November 2015, will cover bridges over Balmoral, Foster, Winnemac, Lawrence, Leland, Wilson, Sunnyside, Montrose, Berteau, Irving Park and Grace. Construction of the new Ravenswood Station, the only stop in the construction zone and the busiest stop on the UP North line, will also be done in the first phase.

Bridges between Addison and Webster will be done in the second phase, which will cost $103 million and will finish in November 2019.

The new Ravenswood Station, to be rebuilt in its current location, will offer longer, covered platforms, warming shelters, improved lighting, landscaping, a ticket office, vendor space, ramps and stairs. It will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

UP North trains have been using a temporary platform on the inbound side of Ravenswood since last fall. Trains will continue to use that platform until the first phase of the bridge project is done in 2015.

A temporary platform will also be built on the outbound side, north of Lawrence. Trains will use that temporary platform starting in a few weeks until the outbound side of the new station is completed in about two years.

Wisconsin awards more then $25M in freight grants

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has awarded 11 state grants totaling $25,515,123 that will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of overall efforts to support job growth and Wisconsin’s economy.

"Freight rail plays a critical role in Wisconsin’s transportation system, moving some 150 million tons of commodities every year," Governor Walker said. "These grants and loans will help retain jobs and spur economic growth in many rural communities while strengthening our economy.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is administering six loan awards totaling $4,922,452 through the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program. A revolving loan program, FRIIP awards are provided to private industries, railroads and local governments to improve rail infrastructure, highway/grade crossings, and to construct new rail-served facilities – with the overall goal to boost economic development and jobs. As FRIIP loans are repaid, the dollars are used to help fund new projects.

Five grant awards totaling $20,592,671 are being distributed through the state’s Freight Railroad Preservation Program. FRPP grants cover up to 80 percent of the cost of projects designed to preserve rail service or rehabilitate fixed facilities on publicly owned rail lines. Award recipients provide the 20 percent local share.

Since the FRIIP program was approved by the state legislature in 1993, WisDOT has provided 99 loans through the program totaling over $100 million. Another $98 million in FRPP grants has been awarded to local governments and railroads since 1993. Twelve freight railroads operate in Wisconsin on a system of over 3,600 route miles of track and handle some 2.5 million rail cars each year.

 

DOT opens up $2.4B in HSR funds

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is making available approximately $2.4 billion, through a competitive process, to states eager to develop high-speed rail corridors across the United States.

"The Obama Administration’s bold high-speed rail plan will create jobs, reinvigorate our manufacturing sector and spur economic development for years to come," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "States across the country have been banging down our door for the opportunity to receive additional high-speed rail dollars and to deliver all of its economic benefits to their citizens."

President Obama’s vision is to connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail within the next 25 years. To put America on track towards that goal, the Obama Administration has proposed a six-year, $53 billion plan that will provide rail access to new communities; improve the reliability, speed and frequency of existing lines; and where it makes economic sense, build new corridors where trains will travel at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour.

The Obama Administration’s investments in high-speed rail are also projected to create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in the United States. Jobs will be created both directly on manufacturing, construction and operation of rail lines and indirectly, as the result of economic developments along rail corridors. A report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors projected that high-speed rail would create tens of thousands of jobs in cities and along rail corridors across the United States.

A 100 percent ‘Buy America’ requirement for high-speed rail projects also ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. And, in 2009, Secretary LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts. 


A merit-driven process will be used to award the newly available high-speed rail dollars to projects that can deliver public and economic benefits quickly. A project’s ability to reduce energy consumption, improve the efficiency of a region’s overall transportation network, and generate sustained economic activity along the corridor are among the selection criteria. Applications for the additional high-speed rail money will be due on April 4, 2011.

Metrolink partners with USC on safety program

Metrolink has entered into a partnership with the University of Southern California’s engineering school to create an advanced rail system safety certification program to, in its words, "pioneer efforts to standardize system safety leadership principles," the United Transportation Union reports.

The program initially will be offered to Metrolink supervisors and managers. It is intended to help develop what Metrolink calls "a total safety culture where every employee understands what drives safety performance and how to lead people in the consistent application of standard principles to achieve world-class safety."

The University of Southern California’s engineering school has been providing aviation safety education for more than half-a-century, beginning with the U.S. Air Force in 1952.

Metrolink said that where individual railroads have individual safety programs "that focus on rules and procedures, there is no consistent system safety certification program in the railroad industry. Technological advances over the next few years — as in the federal mandate for positive train control — will create even higher levels of human technology interface, which is why it is critical that a standardized system safety curriculum be created."

The Metrolink effort is being launched with the assistance of Jim Schultz, a former chief safety officer at the Federal Railroad Administration and later a safety officer with CSX Transportation.

The certification program will focus on human factors, safety management systems and risk identification.

 

APTA: $5 per gallon could spur boom in public transit trips

A study released by the American Public Transportation Association predicts that as gasoline prices continue increasing, Americans will turn to public transportation in record numbers. APTA is calling on Congress to address this impending demand by providing a greater long-term investment in public transportation.

The analysis reveals if regular gas prices reach $4 a gallon across the nation, as many experts have forecasted, an additional 670 million passenger trips could be expected, resulting in more than 10.8 billion trips per year. If pump prices jump to $5 a gallon, the report predicts an additional 1.5 billion passenger trips can be expected, resulting in more than 11.6 billion trips per year. And if prices were to soar to $6 a gallon, expectations go as high as an additional 2.7 billion passenger trips, resulting in more than 12.9 billion trips per year. 



"The volatility of the price at the pump is another wake up call for our nation to address the increasing demand for public transportation services," said APTA President William Millar. "We must make significant, long-term investments in public transportation or we will leave our fellow Americans with limited travel options, or in many cases, stranded without travel options. Public transit is the quickest way for people to beat high gas prices if it is available." 



Many of the public transit systems across the country are already seeing large ridership increases, some reaching double digits in the month of February. For instance; the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority in Pompano Beach, Fla. increased by 10.6 percent; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority of Philadelphia, Pa. increased by 10 percent; The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority of Oakland, Calif. increased by 14 percent and Triangle Transit of Research Triangle Park, N.C. increased by 22.8 percent.



"We saw this same story in 2008 and several times before where high gas prices caught our country without adequate travel options," said Millar. "However, this time we can write a happy ending and make sure investment is made to expand public transportation so that more Americans have a choice in how they travel."



APTA supports the Obama Administration’s transportation authorization blueprint and proposal, which increases public transit investment by 128 percent over the next six years. This type of investment would help close the gap for the 46 percent of Americans who do not have access to public transportation. APTA is encouraging riders to tell Congress they need more transportation options by going to publictransportation.org or text TRANSIT to 86677 and join the "I <3 (heart) transit campaign."



 

Berkshire Hathaway to acquire Lubrizol

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and The Lubrizol Corporation have reached a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire 100% of outstanding Lubrizol shares for $135 per share in an all-cash transaction. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company, is valued at approximately $9.7 billion, including approximately $0.7 billion in net debt, making it one of the largest acquisitions in Berkshire Hathaway history. This price represents a 28 percent premium over Lubrizol’s closing price on Friday, March 11, 2011, and is also 18 percent higher than Lubrizol’s all-time high share closing price.

"Lubrizol is exactly the sort of company with which we love to partner – the global leader in several market applications run by a talented CEO, James Hambrick," said Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway chief executive officer. "Our only instruction to James – just keep doing for us what you have done so successfully for your shareholders."

Hambrick said, "This transaction provides compelling value to our shareholders and is a clear endorsement of the growth and diversification success Lubrizol has achieved. We are very excited to have the opportunity to become part of the Berkshire Hathaway family. We believe its philosophy of supporting long-term global investments in technology, assets and employees will enhance execution of our growth strategies. Such a long-term commitment is more important than ever in today’s global economy to deliver true market-leading products and services for our customers."

The transaction is subject to the approval of Lubrizol’s shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of waiting periods and the receipt of approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and applicable non-U.S. merger control regulations. Berkshire Hathaway and Lubrizol expect the transaction to be completed during the third quarter of 2011.

Lubrizol will remain located at its Wickliffe, Ohio, headquarters and will continue to be led by its current management team.

 

New Metra station just in time for White Sox opener

Next month, Chicago’s Metra will open a new station in Chicago at 35th St. along the Rock Island line, just in time for the Chicago White Sox home opener at nearby U.S. Cellular Field.

Rock Island trains will begin stopping at the station, which is on 35th St. just east of the Dan Ryan Expy., on Sunday, April 3. The first White Sox game will be held the following Thursday, April 7.

But the station isn’t just for White Sox fans. It also gives another mass transit alternative to students at the adjoining Illinois Institute of Technology, as well as to local workers and neighborhood residents. And it offers a convenient link to the nearby CTA Red and Green lines.

The Metra Board of Directors voted to name the new stop after Lovana S. "Lou" Jones, a state lawmaker who represented the area for nearly 20 years. She died in 2006. The station will be formally dedicated in early May.

The station was funded with $4.9 million in federal money secured by U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Chicago), a longtime supporter of the project, and an additional $6.8 million from the federal stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The new, fully accessible station features heated ramps, stairways, eight-car platforms, heated platform shelters, bicycle racks, benches, Metra’s audio and visual information system, lighting and landscaping. It is the first new Metra station since 2006.

On weekdays, 26 inbound trains and 21 outbound trains will stop at the new station. It will be served by all weekend trains.

Metra will increase its service on game days to accommodate White Sox fans. For weekday afternoon games, an extra outbound train will leave the station after the final out. For weekday evening games, Train 531 (departing LaSalle St. at 11:15 p.m.) will have more cars, and an extra outbound all-stop train will operate about 30 minutes after the last out. For weekend games, an inbound extra train will arrive at the station about an hour before the first pitch, and an outbound extra will operate about 30 minutes after the final out.

The Rock Island schedule is being adjusted to accommodate the new station, but there are also other modifications to the schedule to improve on-time performance, to make the schedule more consistent and to reflect actual operating conditions.

Roberts joins BGR Government Affairs

BGR Government Affairs has named Russell (Rusty) Roberts, formerly chief of staff to U. S. Representative John Mica (R-FL), as managing director of the firm’s transportation practice.

Rusty Roberts has more than 20 years of Capitol Hill experience and has been active in Florida politics for the past 28 years. His legislative and political management experience spans the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Florida Legislature.

"Based on his decades of policy and political experience, Rusty will help BGR’s clients work with the key decision makers in Washington and to navigate the new Congressional agenda driven by fiscal realities," said Ed Rogers, chairman of BGR Group, the parent of the bipartisan government relations firm BGR Government Affairs.

According to Roberts, "I am proud to bring my 30 years public service experience to helping clients advocate policies before Congress that promote infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation."

Harsco Secures $11 Million in additional orders From China

Harsco Corporation has received two additional railway track maintenance equipment orders from China metro transit system operators totaling close to $11 million.

The orders from the Suzhou and Guangfo Metros continue Harsco’s growing rail equipment presence in China. Both orders call for Harsco’s 20-stone rail grinders, a configuration ideally suited to the needs of urban metro systems with fully integrated, on-board diagnostics to simplify maintenance and minimize downtime in high-volume rapid transit roles. The units will be used by both metro lines to restore and maintain rail profiles for smoother travel at higher speeds while reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.

Scheduled for delivery in 2012, the orders add to Harsco Rail’s global backlog as one of the worldwide providers of equipment and service solutions for total track maintenance.

Lewis Evergrip spike now in use on UP, WMATA

Lewis Bolt & Nut Company said Union Pacific added the company’s patented EvergripTM Spike to its Track Standards and plans to use the spike on severe curves, turnouts and anywhere optimum holding power is required. In addition to the UP, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) will also convert its Track Maintenance Group to the EvergripTM Spike effective immediately.

CSXT tops U.S. transportation industry in annual diversity and inclusion ranking

CSX Transportation Corporation has placed 17th on the DiversityInc 2011 Top 50 Companies for Diversity®, a ranking of diversity practices among U.S. companies. CSXT is the only transportation company to be honored this year. In addition, CSXT also ranked sixth in the DiversityInc Top 10 companies for Supplier Diversity.

"Diversity and inclusion at CSX have come to mean diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences and ideas," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and CEO of CSXT. "CSX is working to develop a deep and talented pool of future leaders who offer, value and draw out unique perspectives in our organization and help us attract and retain the best and brightest talent possible."

The faces of CSXT, from the board room to the crew room, are increasingly diverse in age, gender, ethnicity and physical abilities. This is the fifth year in a row that CSXT has been recognized by DiversityInc for its commitment to diversity. Last year CSXT was placed on the DiversityInc "25 Noteworthy Companies" list. Each year since 2006, G.I. Jobs has recognized CSXT as one of the top 50 Military-Friendly Employers and the company was ranked third in 2010. CSXT is a charter member of GettingHired.com, an organization for employers and job applicants designed to help the millions of Americans living with disabilities secure sustainable employment and flourish in their careers.

CSXT has also been honored in recent years by Diversity MBA Magazine, Black MBA Magazine, CollegeGrad.com and Hispanic Business Magazine.

"To remain competitive in a 21st-century marketplace, CSX understands that it must create the right environment to attract, develop and retain a diverse blend of excellent employees," said Susan Hamilton, chief diversity officer and assistant vice president of diversity, CSXT. "Knowing that people make the difference, CSX works to create a highly productive blend of experienced railroaders and new employees eager to build a career in the railroad industry."

 

WMATA details plans to realign Blue, Yellow Line Metrorail service

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority officials detailed plans to the Board Customer Service and Operations Committee on March 10 about how the transit authority plans to realign Blue and Yellow Line Metrorail service by June 2012 in an effort to improve service, reliability and prepare for the future Dulles extension. 



"The Blue and Yellow Line realignment is meant to address peak period crowding and service reliability at the Rosslyn Metrorail station, realign service to better match ridership and transition to the future Dulles rail extension," said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles. 



The realignment will be a major change to the service pattern of the Metrorail system. Orange, Blue, Yellow and Green Line riders all will be affected by the change. The proposal is to shift one-third of Blue Line trains from Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station to operate via the Yellow Line Bridge to L’Enfant Plaza and on to Greenbelt. To offset the shift, three Orange Line trains per hour would be added from West Falls Church-VT/UVA to Largo Town Center. 


Multiple rail lines will benefit from the realignment with increased service, including the Yellow and Green lines (between L’Enfant Plaza and Greenbelt Metrorail stations) and the Orange Line (between West Falls Church-VT/UVA and Court House Metrorail stations). It is estimated that 108,000 riders (43 percent of peak period trips) to various destinations within the system will benefit from increased service and time savings. 



To ensure a smooth transition and successful launch of the new service patterns for customers, Metro will implement a communications plan that explains the expansion and resulting changes, and involves customers, stakeholders and employees in the change to ensure public support and quality service. 



 

LACMTA, LANI receive planning grant for transit corridor, station development plan

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) have been awarded a planning grant from the California Department of Transportation to develop a community linkage and revitalization concept plan for consideration by local jurisdictions for the future Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Florence/West light rail station.

The concept will define a range of potential improvements linking the surrounding neighborhood and proposed West Boulevard station with goals of:

• Enhancing access to the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor
• Incorporating the community’s general vision of development for the area
• Promoting economic revitalization

The project area for the grant encompasses parts of the cities of Los Angeles and Inglewood. The boundaries are Crenshaw Boulevard to the east, High Street on the west, Florence Avenue to the south and 76th Street to the north. This is an urban neighborhood, characterized by industrial and commercial facilities in the immediate vicinity and multi-family and single-family residences in the adjacent streets.

Utilizing its nationally recognized model for community engagement, LANI will manage the development of the West Boulevard Community Linkage and Revitalization Concept Plan. A project steering committee compromised of local stakeholders will participate in a community-based planning and design process and to assist in the development of the concept plan, incorporating the priorities of the neighborhood in an effort to promote greater community participation during the design process.

LANI will host a series of community meetings that will inform stakeholders of the process and garner insight and input.

Bridge toll funds move BART project forward

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Programming & Allocations Committee has recommended approval of a $19 million allocation of bridge toll funds to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to help advance construction of the $463 million East Contra Costa BART Extension through Pittsburg and Antioch. The full Commission will consider the committee’s recommendation at its regular monthly meeting on March 23.

"The committee’s approval is a crucial step in keeping the eBART project on schedule and on budget," said MTC Vice Chair and Orinda city councilmember Amy Rein Worth, who represents the cities of Contra Costa County on the Commission. "The project will not only deliver much-needed congestion relief in the years ahead, but BART estimates it will generate more than 600 jobs during construction and dozens of permanent positions once the trains begin service. This is a wise and very timely investment, and one I’m confident the full Commission will support."

Construction on the eBART project began in October 2010. The latest MTC commitment includes $15 million for construction and management activities needed to accommodate eBART in the median of State Route 4 plus another $4 million for eBART crossings over local roadways that will be built as part of Caltrans’ and the CCTA’s ongoing highway widening project.

"Toll funds are a big slice of the financing pie for the eBART project," explained Rein Worth. "This reflects the strong, continuing partnership between MTC and the CCTA to deliver mobility improvements for the residents of eastern Contra Costa County. Another big slice of the funding comes from the Measure J half-cent transportation sales tax. County voters made it clear that eBART is an important priority when they approved Measure J back in 2004."

The 10-mile first phase of the eBART line, which is slated to open for customer service in 2015, will stretch from the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station to Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch with an intermediate station at Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg. Travel time from Hillcrest to Pittsburg/Bay Point will be 10 minutes. The diesel multiple-unit trains used on the eBART line are smaller than traditional BART trains, with a capacity of 300 to 400 passengers in each two-car train. The trains will use modern clean diesel technology, and are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Route 4 corridor by 260,000 pounds per day.

 

2010 saw increase in crossing collisions, pedestrian vs. train incidents

An improving economy may have contributed to an increase in vehicle-train and pedestrian collisions, deaths and injuries in 2010, according to Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the national nonprofit rail safety education organization, citing preliminary 2010 Federal Railroad Administration statistics.

"The statistics show that as America pulls out of the recession and people are driving more, we need to redouble our efforts to educate the public about taking unnecessary risks at highway-rail crossings because any incident is one too many," said OLI President Helen Sramek. "Another disturbing finding is the continued rise in pedestrian incidents on or near train tracks."



The FRA statistics indicate that there were 2,004 vehicle-train collisions in the U.S. in 2010, up 4.2 percent from the 1,924 incidents in 2009; those 2010 collisions resulted in 260 deaths and 810 injuries, with crossing deaths up 5.3 percent and crossing injuries up 9.8 percent from the 247 deaths and 738 injuries in 2009. States with the most crossing collisions in 2010 were Texas, Illinois, California, Indiana and Louisiana.

U.S. Department of Transportation figures also show that vehicle miles traveled in 2010 (2,999,634 according to the Federal Highway Administration) were the third-highest ever, Sramek noted. "With more people traveling on our roadways, there’s a greater chance for an incident to occur," she said.

An additional 451 pedestrians were killed and 382 injured while trespassing on train tracks last year, versus 417 deaths and 343 injuries in 2009. Total trespasser deaths rose 8.2 percent and trespasser injuries rose 11.4 percent in 2010. States with the most pedestrian-train casualties (deaths and injuries combined) in 2010 were California, Texas, Illinois, Florida and New York.

"Despite overall gains in rail safety in the past decade, these latest statistics show that Operation Lifesaver must continue its work to educate drivers and pedestrians about the dangers present around tracks and trains," said Sramek.

CTA names new capital improvements manager

The Chicago Transit Authority selected Chicago Transit Partners to oversee the agency’s ongoing capital improvement plan. After a competitive procurement process, CTP will once again oversee various construction projects for the agency.

"This renewed partnership with CTP allows for CTA to meet capital improvement goals in the most cost efficient way possible," said CTA President Richard Rodriguez. "External resources are an invaluable tool for CTA. Existing staff can tap into the knowledge base of additional engineers and project managers without incurring the full cost of the position."

"The use of an outside program manager is an effective and cost efficient industry strategy for saving time and money and ensuring quality," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson. "With multiple projects at different stages of development, the CTA is able to maximize the resources of the CIPM and adjust the size of the workforce or the nature of the expertise as needed."

As the Capital Improvement Program Manager, CTP will work on projects that include track rehabilitation, replacement of viaducts and projects to upgrade traction power. CTP will also help develop project plans in preparation for future funding. Under the previous agreement, CTP assisted with the Brown Line capacity expansion project, renovation of the Howard station on the Red Line and power upgrades to the Dan Ryan branch of the Red Line.

The CTA reached a successful contract negotiation with CTP to provide management services for up to three years and services provided are not to exceed the contracted amount of $29.7 million and is contingent upon the availability of capital funding. CTP’s previous contract was approved in 2005 for $60.5 million for up to five years and was also contingent on the availability of capital funding.

Washington state approves funds for crossing safety improvements

State regulators have approved funding to improve safety at a railroad crossing in Tacoma.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund to Tacoma Rail to upgrade the warning signals at the intersection of 99th St. E. and the railroad company’s tracks in the city of Tacoma.

Tacoma Rail plans to use the funds to install long-lasting, energy-efficient flashing LED lights and motion-sensing train detection at the rail crossing. The railroad also will add pedestrian bells to both signal masts and replace the cross-buck signs. The total estimated cost of the project is $27,095. State GCPF funding is limited to $20,000.

Ninety-ninth Street East is a two-lane road with an average of 3,375 vehicles crossing the railroad tracks each day. The project must be completed by June 15.

State regulators also approved funding to improve safety at a railroad crossing in Yakima County.

The Washington UTC approved $20,000 from the Grade Crossing Protective Fund for the city of Moxee to upgrade warning signals at the crossing located at Beaudry Road. In addition, a "No Right Turn" sign will be installed on nearby State Route 24 (SR-24).

The city of Moxee plans to use the funds to install flashing LED lights and gates at the rail crossing. The city also proposes to improve safety at the crossing by tying in the new railroad warning signals with the nearby traffic signal on SR-24 to ensure that no traffic will back-up on tracks when a train is approaching the crossing.

The total estimated cost of the project is $66,730. State GCPF funding is limited to $20,000.
Moxee is located almost eight miles southeast of Yakima in Yakima County. Beaudry Road is a two-lane road with an average of 3,900 vehicles crossing the railroad tracks each day. The project must be completed by June 30.