USDOT report on highway, transit conditions points to need for more investment

A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report on the state of America’s transportation infrastructure, 2013 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges and Transit: Conditions and Performance, concludes that more investment is needed to maintain and improve the nation’s highway and transit systems.

Metrolink names new CFO/treasurer

Metrolink has hired Sam Joumblat, a veteran financial expert with more than 30 years of business and engineering experience, as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective March 17.

President Obama outlines $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort

President Obama proposed a $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort while visiting the historic Union Depot train station in Saint Paul, Minn.

Sixth round of TIGER grants will make $600 million available

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) sixth round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants is making $600 million available to fund transportation projects across the country.

Colorado high-speed rail technically, not financially, feasible

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued two draft reports summarizing the feasibility of high-speed transit systems in both the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor and I-25 Front Range Corridor.

IDOT Tier 2 environmental studies to look at Joliet to Chicago HSR options

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials held the first of a series of public meetings on Monday, Feb. 24, introducing the public to the next step of the Chicago to St. Louis high-speed rail project and asking for feedback as it begins Tier 2 environmental studies.

MTA launches passenger and worker safety initiatives

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched a series of initiatives to improve safety throughout its operations by strengthening reporting responsibilities, emphasizing management oversight and installing automatic speed controls.

Hakim elected as NJ Transit’s next executive director

New Jersey Transit‘s Board of Directors appointed Veronique Hakim as the new executive director, effective March 1, 2014.

Construction begins on Perris Valley Metrolink Extension

Construction has begun on the $248.3-million, 24-mile-long Perris Valley Metrolink Extension in Southern California, which will extend the current Metrolink 91 Line to new stations in North Riverside, Moreno Valley/March Field, Downtown Perris and South Perris/Menifee.

Metrolink begins PTC revenue service demonstration

Metrolink has begun a Positive Train Control (PTC) revenue service demonstration (RSD) under the authority of BNSF in California. Metrolink operated PTC RSD on Orange County Line train 686 February 20, however, the first revenue service train to offer the technology was 91 Line train 700 February 17.

NTSB issues recommendations to Metro-North regarding use of recorders and speed signs

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a series of safety recommendations to Metro-North Railroad calling for the use of inward and outward facing audio and image recorders and the installation of approach permanent speed restriction signs along the rights-of-way.

Details of Canada’s 10-year infrastructure plan unveiled

Prime Minister Stephen Harper released important details on the New Building Canada Plan, including support that will ensure small communities have stable, long-term access to funding for vital infrastructure projects.

The T Board names new president

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) has named Paul J Ballard president and chief executive officer, effective April 14.

LACMTA and Caltrans to hold a High Desert Corridor Rail webcast

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are hosting a live webinar to discuss the High Desert Corridor’s (HDC) potential rail component and connections to the Palmdale Transportation Center in Palmdale and Desert Xpress in Victorville.

Site clearing work begins on Caltrain’s San Mateo Bridges Replacement Project

In the San Francisco area, a vegetation removal crew has started initial site clearing work along four Caltrain crossings as part of its San Mateo Bridge Replacement Project.

Tutor Perini awarded two MTA East Side Access contracts

Tutor Perini Corporation has been awarded two contracts by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for portions of the East Side Access (ESA) project, collectively valued at approximately $844 million.

Ontario awards funds for GO station improvements

The province of Ontario, Canada, is making CA$5 million (US$ 4.5 million) in upgrades to the Etobicoke North GO Station, which will include extending the platform to accommodate 12-car trains; installing a raised mini platform that connects to on-board train ramps for increased accessibility; adding heated shelters and more lighting and creating 10 more accessible parking spaces.

PATH lays out plan for PTC work

Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. (PATH) says it is on track to meet the federal government’s December 2015 deadline for implementing positive train control (PTC) with work to begin on February 14.

TriMet and union still spar, while CN and TCRC-CTY reach new agreement

In Portland, Ore., TriMet is requesting a mediator from the state’s Employment Relations Board (ERB) after the agency and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) failed to reach an agreement on wages and benefits.

PANYNJ proposed 10-year capital plan includes $3.3 billion for PATH

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) has proposed a 10-year, $26.7-billion Capital Plan, which will maintain and build transportation infrastructure for its airports, tunnels, bridges, ports and rail system and includes $3.3-billion for projects on the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. (PATH) system.

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