Sound Transit constructing East Link light-rail tunnel in Bellevue one small section at a time
A 2,000-linear-foot tunnel that will host light-rail service in Bellevue, Wash., as part of Sound Transit’s East Link, is now under construction.
Commuter/Regional
IO, Metrolinx issue RFQ for Toronto Union Station project
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Union Station Enhancement project in Toronto, ON, Canada has been issued by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.
Connecticut bond commission approves additional funds for NHHS rail program
The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved an additional $50 million in funding for the New-Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program.
APTA: Commuter rail industry makes progress implementing PTC
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) says its members are making “significant progress” toward implementing positive train control (PTC) and are on schedule to meet the December 2018 deadline.
Three teams to bid on MBTA Green Line extension
Three teams have been selected by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to compete for the design-build contract to build the Green Line Extension Project.
USDOT puts Caltrain grant on hold
A $647-million Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for Caltrain’s Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) has been deferred until the Trump Administration develops a budget for Fiscal Year 2018.
IO, Metrolinx move forward with RFP for rail tunnel project
Three shortlisted teams have been invited to submit a Request for Proposals by Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx to design, build and finance the Highway 401 Rail Tunnel project.
PANYNJ Board approves largest capital plan in history
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved a $32.3 billion 2017-2026 Capital Plan on Feb. 16.
Peter Gertler returns to HNTB as SVP
Peter Gertler has rejoined HNTB Corporation as a senior vice president in a corporate and national strategic business development role, based in Oakland, Calif.
MassDOT to search for new CEO/GM for MBTA
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has launched the search for a permanent CEO and general manager for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Trommer to manage transit/rail project development and finance efforts at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
Scott E. Trommer has been named a principal with the U.S. Advisory Services division of WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.
High-speed rail, Peninsula electrification make California wish list for federal funds
The state of California put forth its initial list of priority infrastructure projects to the National Governor’s Association for consideration by the federal government.
Archer Western awarded TEX Rail DFW Station contract
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has awarded Archer Western a contract to build its new $28.5 million TEX Rail station.
MTA marks ridership milestones on LIRR, Metro-North and Second Ave. Subway
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has reported record ridership numbers on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North Railroad and the newly-added Second Avenue Subway.
LACMTA advances unsolicited proposals of two mega projects
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will advance four unsolicited proposals that could accelerate two mega projects.
Sound Transit readies to complete second phase of Tacoma Trestle project
Sound Transit has announced a temporarily revised route for its Sounder South Line to allow crews to complete the second phase of work on its Tacoma Trestle Track & Signal Project from Feb. 17–22.
RTD to open R Line in late February
Colorado’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) will launch its R Line on Feb. 24, offering light-rail service to Aurora, Colo.
Chao sworn in as Secretary of Transportation
Elaine Chao has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn in to serve as the 18th Secretary of Transportation.
Amtrak names Feidt CFO
William N. Feidt will join Amtrak as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) effective Feb. 6, 2017.
House T&I Committee to tackle what is needed from infrastructure at first hearing
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold its first hearing of the 115th Congress next week and will explore how and what to build in order to meet the needs of the 21st century.