Metro-North Old Greenwich bridge rehab project begins
The rehabilitation of Metro-North Railroad Bridges over Sound Beach Ave. and Tomac Ave. in Old Greenwich started on May 4.
Commuter/Regional
Gov. Malloy: Replacement of Norwalk Rail Bridge on schedule
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James Redeker say the design for a new Walk Railroad Bridge in Norwalk is progressing and remains on schedule.
The T Board approves pre-construction services and rail vehicles contracts for TEX Rail
The Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) approved two contracts related to TEX Rail.
RRIF loan to help Metro-North, LIRR install PTC
The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan of $967.1 million to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which will finance the installment of positive train control on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (Metro North).
AAR marks another successful annual research review
The 20th Annual AAR Research Review was held March 31-April 1 in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the Hotel Elegante. The review brought approximately 550 attendees to the event, which had a theme of “Research Innovation for Current and Future Needs of North American Railways.”
Bentley issues call for submissions to 2015 Be Inspired awards
Bentley Systems, Inc., issued its call for submissions to the 2015 Be Inspired Awards program; the deadline for entries is May 31, 2015.
Massachusetts Gov. Baker files MBTA reform bill
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker filed “An Act for a Reliable, Sustainable MBTA,” acting on many of the recommendations made by the special panel that reported their findings earlier this month.
IDOT launches statewide listening tour to discuss Illinois infrastructure needs
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with the Illinois Capital Development Board, has started a series of listening sessions to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs and the steps required “to make sure the right investments are being made to keep Illinois competitive in a 21st century global economy.” The meetings will be held in multiple communities throughout the state over the next month, with a goal of presenting Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office with a comprehensive package of recommendations for consideration this spring.
Another PTC extension bill enters the fray
Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced their version of a Positive Train Control (PTC) extension bill that joins a similar effort introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).
FRA awards eight grants totaling $21.2 million
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded eight grants totaling more than $21.2 million that invest in grade-crossing safety, Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation and passenger rail.
Metra implements close call reporting system
Chicago’s Metra has created the “Confidential Close Call Reporting System,” which is designed to proactively address safety issues and create a more positive safety culture.
BART affirms safety is top priority following NTSB report
Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) reiterated its commitment to employee safety following the issuance of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) final report regarding an October 2013 accident in which two engineering employees were struck and killed.
Federal grant to help Amtrak install PTC in New York
New York has received a $3-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Intercity Passenger Rail Grade Crossing Improvements, Positive Train Control Implementation and Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan Grant Program.
Metra plans tie, switch projects on Milwaukee District Lines; readies Englewood Flyover for expansion
Chicagoland’s Metra will perform tie replacement and switch replacement along its Milwaukee District Lines this spring.
FTA’s McMillan: Long-term transportation funding will stop filling potholes
U.S. Department of Transportation’s Acting Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan, along with transportation infrastructure supporters across the country, highlighted the need for long-term transportation funding to support a robust and sustainable transportation system.
Genova named RTD interim GM
The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) Board of Directors named David Genova interim general manager, succeeding Phillip Washington, who will resign April 15 to assume the helm of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Stand Up For Transportation Day” aims to spur support of federal transportation funding
Stand Up for Transportation Day, April 9, is an effort headed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) that aims to galvanize support of federal funding of America’s public transportation, roads, bridges and rail systems.
MBTA special panel calls for Fiscal Control Board to help fix “management failures”
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s special panel tasked with reviewing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) functions and practices outlined a plan of action to reform and improve the authority. The panel’s recommendations include creating a five-member Fiscal and Management Control Board, as well as the creation of one, five and 20 year spending plans after the group “uncovered massive structural and management failures that are on pace to bankrupt the system if left unchecked.”
MBTA, Keolis to begin tie replacement project
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Keolis Commuter Services will begin the first of several railroad tie replacement projects on the Lowell and Haverhill lines, part of a $100-million investment in infrastructure improvements for both lines that the MBTA says will increase passenger comfort and reliability.
HRT supports Stand up 4 Transportation
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will host a special event April 9 with a coalition of business and political leaders to highlight the urgent need for Congress to approve long-term funding critical for Hampton Roads’ transportation infrastructure.