News and Opinion

MDOT Purple Line Construction Faces Seven-Month Stall

A new project study has found that the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Purple Line—currently 4.5 years behind schedule—faces a further seven-month delay that could set back the opening of the light-rail line until mid-2027.

Map of Heart of Georgia (HOG) Railroad, a Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary

GDOT Completes Upgrade Project for HOG

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in January wrapped up its first Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grant project, which included upgrades along 138 miles of the 219-mile Heart of Georgia (HOG) Railroad.

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

ASLRRA Working to Advocate for Railroads Experiencing Damage from Natural Disasters

Railway Track & Structures’ cover story for the November 2022 issue focused on the severe damage to the Seminole Gulf Railway in southwest Florida by Hurricane Ian. The storm not only impacted the railroad, but the service it provides to the community after a natural disaster occurs, especially moving building materials along its lines to support rebuilding efforts.

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Works to Repair Alabama Lift Bridge

After being damaged by a vessel, Norfolk Southern’s lift bridge spanning the Tennessee River in Decatur, Ala., is expected to remain out of service for up to five days, the railroad announced in a service alert on Jan. 17.

Jim Blaze photo

Amtrak Petitions FRA to Retire Maryland Fixed Wayside Signals

Amtrak is seeking Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval to retire fixed wayside signals as automatic block points on the Mid-Atlantic Division’s Philadelphia-to-Washington, line (a Northeast Corridor branch), according to a notice in the Federal Register’s Jan. 17 edition.

Watch: Iowa Interstate Acquires Iowa City Industrial Campus Parcel for New Rail-to-Truck Transload Center

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The Iowa Interstate Railroad announced its recent purchase of approximately 30 acres at Iowa City’s Industrial Campus to develop a new rail-to-truck transloading facility. The site, located on the southeast side of Iowa City and including an existing rail spur, connects to the 573-mile IAIS network, providing shippers with direct access to all 7 Class-I railroads and numerous short line railroads. The site is located near I-80, US 6, and US 218.