MTA reopens two stations following renewal efforts

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) reopened two stations—the Saratoga Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue 3 line stations—Sept. 19 as the projects draw closer to completion.

New York makes $27.9 million available for rail and port projects

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sept. 14 that $27.9 million in state funding is now available to go toward initiatives to maintain and improve rail and port services in major trade and passenger travel corridors.

Transit funding

Hill International awarded Sound Transit project management contract extension

Hill International, an American construction consulting firm, has received a contract extension from Sound Transit for design-build project management services during the upcoming phase of the E360 Segment of the Seattle, Washington-based East Link Light Rail extension project.

Phase 2 of MTA’s intense track clean up begins

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has begun Phase 2 of its “Operation Track Sweep,” a multi-phase plan to get trash off of subway tracks, which is expected to minimize train delays and lower the risks of track fires.

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).

MBTA resumes winter resiliency efforts

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) had extra help kicking off its second phase of winter resiliency work during the weekend of Sept. 10-11.

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.

MBTA advances bridge replacement work

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will progress work on the second phase of a bridge replacement project this fall.

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.

Canada and Alberta reach funding agreement for transit projects

The governments of Canada and Alberta have reached an agreement that will make CA$1.08 billion (US$829 million) available for the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.

LACMTA contracts with Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors for future P3 projects

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will tap the expertise of Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, LLC, to help the authority select the best delivery methods possible for advancing major transportation projects in L.A County.

Michael Baker International adds Shepherd as SVP, national market lead for rail/transit

Bonnie D. Shepherd has joined Michael Baker International as senior vice president and national market lead in the railroad and transit practice.

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.

Secretary Foxx visits BART Silicon Valley work site

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx visited the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Phase 1 construction site this week to observe how the $900 million investment in the project by the Federal Transit Administration is being put to use.

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.

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.

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