New bonds to help ARRC fund PTC implementation
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker signed a bill into law on Wednesday that will allow the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) to issue bonds in order to fund implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
Intercity
Tutor Perini gets Amtrak concrete casing contract
Tutor Perini Corporation has been awarded a contract by Amtrak to construct the 11th Avenue extension to the concrete casing recently completed by Tutor Perini beneath the Eastern Rail Yard of the Hudson Yards site in New York City. The contract value is approximately $56.3 million and the project has been funded through a U.S. Department of Transportation Sandy Resiliency grant under the 2013 Disaster Relief Act.
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.
CHSRA, Palmdale enter into station-area planning agreement
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the city of Palmdale, Calif., have entered into a station-area funding agreement, allowing the city and CHSRA to initiate the planning process for the proposed high-speed rail station adjacent to the civic center and the Palmdale Transportation Center (PTC). This agreement allows both parties to study ways to promote economic development, encourage station area development and enhance multimodal connections between the station and the city.
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.
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).
Five teams to bid on fourth construction package for California high-speed rail
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) received five qualified bids for Construction Package 4 (CP4) – the next 22-mile mile phase of construction through the counties of Tulare and Kern and the cities of Wasco and Shafter.
CHSRA appoints executive staff
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) named five to executive staff. CHSRA named Scott Jarvis chief engineer, Kevin Thompson director of engineering, Bruce Armistead director of operations and maintenance, Alan Glen director of real property and William Robinson senior legislative analyst.
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.
GE wins All Aboard Florida signaling contract
All Aboard Florida (AAF) has selected GE Transportation to design and manufacture signaling equipment for the entire length of the 235-mile rail corridor connecting Miami and Orlando. The passenger-rail project is scheduled to begin initial service from Miami to West Pam Beach in late 2016.
SEPTA breaks ground on 69th Street West Terminal renovations
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) kicked off the West Terminal Improvements Project at 69th Street Transportation Center.
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.
INDOT, FRA move forward on accountability agreement for Amtrak Hoosier State Line
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reached an understanding of the clear lines of accountability for passenger rail safety and accessibility between Indianapolis, Ind., and Chicago, Ill., allowing Indiana to implement long-term improvements to the daily service.
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.
USDOT makes $500 million available for next round of TIGER
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making $500 million available for the seventh round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program.
New Tri-Rail Miami International Airport Station opens April 5
In southern Florida, Tri-Rail‘s new Miami Airport Station (MIA) will open April 5, as part of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC).
Canada extends Ontario passenger rail funding for three years
The Canadian government has decided to provide CA$5.3 million (US$4.2 million) over three years for the continued operation of the passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, ON.