ConnDOT completes Berlin-Waterbury rail study
The Central Connecticut Rail Study (CCRS) has been completed and found investment in the rail corridor for freight use would be viable, while passenger rail investment would be cost prohibitive.
Intercity
Trains rolling on new triple track in Longview, Wash.
A new third track between Kelso and Longview Junction, Wash., is operational and provides expanded capacity for both passenger and freight trains.
Sound Transit announces new timeline for ST2 and ST3 plans
Sound Transit unveiled plans to kick off what the company calls “one of the most ambitious public transit capital investment programs in the nation’s history.”
MassDOT, FRA issue Draft EA for South Station Expansion
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have published a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) for the South Station Expansion (SSX) project.
Amtrak prioritizes Penn Station improvement initiatives
Amtrak President and CEO Wick Moorman detailed several initiatives aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and operations at New York Penn Station.
LACMTA to study Sepulveda Pass Corridor transit options
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to study the feasibility of various transit modes and alignments through L.A.’s notoriously congested Sepulveda Pass.
Phoenix City Council approves $50-million agreement with Valley Metro
The Phoenix City Council approved a $50-million agreement with Valley Metro to fund final design and pre-construction activities on an extension to South Central Phoenix.
Durham-Orange light rail plan approved
Commissioners in Durham County, N.C., approved an updated transit plan and cost sharing agreement for the Durham-Orange LRT line on April 24, taking the project a step closer to a federal funding application.
Gibson joins WSP | PB
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has named Thomas Gibson Vice President and Western Regional Manager of its Transit and Rail practice, based in Sacramento. Gibson is responsible for technical and operational management, project delivery, staff acquisition and business growth.
Metra, Union Pacific break ground on UP West Line track project
Metra and Union Pacific Railroad (UP) joined state, county and local officials and members of the community in Maywood, Ill. to break ground on a $100-million project to remove two critical bottlenecks along the UP West Line.
LACTMA’s TBM Harriet retires after digging twin tunnels
Now that Harriet the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) completed her second tunnel at the Leimert Park Station for the Crenshaw/LAX Line, the Los Angeles County Transportation Authority (LACTMA) has announced her retirement.
MassDOT purchases 20 remote-control ballast cars
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) received delivery of 20 new remote-control steel ballast cars in mid April.
NY, NJ senators request visit from Sec. Chao to highlight need for rail infrastructure funding
Four democratic senators from New York and New Jersey are urging U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to visit the rail infrastructure linking to two states to highlight the need for investment in the region’s rail and transit infrastructure.
FRA grade-crossing workshop to help prioritize research needs
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is planning a workshop this summer to tackle a critical rail safety element: grade crossings.
Siemens creating “Internet of Trains”
Siemens’ U.S. unit has launched Digital Rail Services, a new business that will use intelligent sensors and advanced software platforms to put intelligence behind billions of data points created on the country’s rail systems.
Metra seeks easy terms, as many cars and locos “as possible”
The builders’ line forms to the right. Chicago’s Metra is seeking requests for proposals for the design and production of new railcars and locomotives to replace its aging fleet.
HNTB Corporation hires Francesco Cantatore as senior program director, rail systems
HNTB Corporation added Francesco Cantatore as senior program director, rail systems.
NRC auction raises more than $58k for safety and training programs
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) sold $1.25 million worth of equipment at its annual auction on April 6. Proceeds will help fund safety programs provided by the association.
Keith Holt: From Amtrak to WSP | PB
Veteran railroad signal engineer Keith Holt has left Amtrak, where he was deputy chief engineer, Communications and Signals, to become director of engineering for Railroad Systems at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.
SFCTA allocates funds to advance Phase 2 TTC/DTX engineering work
The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) approved $5.46 million in funds to advance engineering associated with the second phase of the Transbay Transit Center/Caltrain Downtown Extension (TTC/DTX) project.