Oregon DOT approves nearly $12 million for rail projects
The Oregon Transportation Commission has approved nearly $12 million in funding for rail projects statewide.
Intercity
RailWorks Track Systems, GoRail, NRC host Rep. Babin
Infrastructure and policy affecting the rail industry were discussed at an event hosted by RailWorks Track Systems at its Deer Park, Texas facility on Aug. 18 with Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX).
Wick Moorman to take helm of Amtrak
Charles “Wick” Moorman, retired chairman, CEO and president of Norfolk Southern will take the lead of Amtrak beginning Sept. 1.
California to see more than $373 million in rail enhancements
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) has announced 14 recipients for the 2016 Transit and Intercity Capital Program (TIRCP) grants totaling more than $390,893,000.
FRA awards $25 million for PTC implementation
Eleven projects across six states and the District of Columbia will receive grants from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to assist in the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
FTA makes $7 million available for safety grants
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has $7 million in grants available to support efforts that enhance the safety of transit workers and passengers.
Three states see Southwest Chief renovations
Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman visited Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico last week, along the Southwest Chief route, showing his appreciation of local, state and federal partners for their support of Amtrak and BNSF Railway efforts that began last October to improve passengers’ experiences.
Stiles joins TranSystems as market sector leader for passenger rail and transit sector
Jeffrey Stiles, AICP, has joined TranSystems Corp., a consulting firm that provides engineering and architecture solutions to the transportation marketplace, leading its firm-wide passenger rail and transit market sector.
FRA issues final rule on identifying passenger railroad safety hazards
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a final rule on System Safety Programs (SSP).
Hyperloop concept spurs “Innovation Train” on Deutsche Bahn
An idea to move people and goods on land at the speed of sound may help passenger railway travel more efficient.
TIGER VIII: Rail projects receive more than $135 million
Twelve rail projects totaling $135.3 million have been awarded grants from the eighth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
TIGER VIII: Rail projects receive $80.7 million
Elected officials have begun releasing information about projects awarded grants from the eighth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
Feinberg calls for greater action to enhance crossing safety
Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg is calling for additional action to remedy a “solvable problem” by preventing fatalities at grade crossings.
FRA approves passenger rail blueprint for New England Rail Initiative
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a Finding of No Significant Impact on the Northern New England Intercity Rail Initiative, clearing the way for states and the federal government to invest in future passenger rail service in New England.
USDOT creates Build America Bureau
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has established the Build America Bureau, which will drive transportation infrastructure development projects in the United States by streamlining credit and grant opportunities while providing technical assistance and encouraging innovative best practices in project planning, financing, delivery and monitoring.
FRA; TxDOT outline south Texas HSR options
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have released 10 service and route options for new and improved conventional and high-speed passenger rail service connecting Oklahoma City, Okla., Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and South Texas.
STB rejects Texas Central petition
The Surface Transportation Board announced on July 18 that a proposed, 240-mile, high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, Tex., does not fall under STB jurisdiction and does not require Board approval.
Gateway projects take step toward qualifying for major funding
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has moved the Hudson Tunnel Project and Portal North Bridge – both critical elements of the Gateway Program in the New York City area – into the Project Development process for a New Starts Grant available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
NC Hopson Road grade separation and track passing project complete
North Carolina state transportation officials gathered in Durham July 12 to celebrate the completion of the Hopson Road grade separation and passing track project, which was designed to enhance rail safety and efficiency.
Amtrak and its partners select Arup to design Chicago Union Station
The restoration of Chicago Union Station has taken a significant step forward, as Amtrak, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago area transportation leaders from Metra, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced plans to begin the next phase of planning, historic review and preliminary engineering for the historic transportation hub.