Amtrak commits $12 million to renovate Chicago Union Station

Amtrak has made a commitment of $12 million to continue renovations of Chicago’s 90-year-old Union Station. In the coming weeks and months, Chicago Mayor Emanuel will work in coordination with the federal government, the state of Illinois, Metra and Amtrak to facilitate a complete overhaul of Union Station that will require a multi-year, $500-million investment.

Final Scoping Decision document for Rochester to Twin Cities high-speed rail released

The Minnesota Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Olmsted County Regional Railroad Authority, released the Final Scoping Decision document on the Zip Rail, a plan for high-speed passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and Rochester.

All Aboard Florida selects GC for Broward and Palm Beach stations

All Aboard Florida has selected Moss & Associates as the general contractor for the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations. Construction activities are expected to commence at the end of the first quarter.

Parsons Brinkerhoff hires Hedlund as director of Public-Private Partnerships

Karen Hedlund, former deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has been named director of public-private partnerships (P3s) in the strategic consulting group of Parsons Brinckerhoff.

NCDOT, CSX to begin A-line crossover project

CSX, in partnership with North Carolina Department of Transporation, will begin construction on a series of projects to build universal crossovers on the CSX A-line in three eastern North Carolina locations: South Weldon, Enfield and Rocky Mount. Construction at the three project locations will include grading, drainage improvements, track and signal construction.

Haddad named EVP of the Northeast Maglev

The Northeast Maglev (TNEM) appointed Nazih Haddad to executive vice president, effective February 3. Haddad will manage the development of a high-speed rail system between Washington, D.C., and New York City, using Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) technology.

NTSB Most Wanted 2015: PTC implementation; improved tank car and mass transit safety

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says rail tank cars that carry crude oil, ethanol and other hazardous materials across the country must do it more safely, which is why it is one of four new issues on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List for 2015.

NJ Transit’s plan for $55-million Elizabeth Station restoration project

Transportation Commissioner and New Jersey Transit Board Chairman Jamie Fox and NJ Transit Executive Director Veronique Hakim unveiled the preliminary design plans for a $55-million restoration of Elizabeth Station.

House T&I vice chairman, subcommittee chairmen named

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) has made selections for the committee’s six subcommittee chairmen and the full committee vice chairman for the 114th Congress.

Gov. Malloy tours Meriden station; outlines long-term transportation infrastructure vision

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy on Jan. 8 toured the Meriden train station on the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) rail corridor, which is the site of an ongoing transit-oriented development (TOD) project with a primary focus on stimulating the area within a half-mile of the proposed new Meriden Intermodal Center.

CHSRA breaks ground on HSR

Marking significant progress toward modernizing California’s transportation infrastructure, on Jan. 6 the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) joined hundreds of supporters and government, student, community, transportation, business and labor leaders to break ground on the nation’s first high-speed rail system.

Amtrak launches new website geared toward NEC infrastructure

 

A new Amtrak website aims to raise awareness about Northeast Corridor (NEC) infrastructure needs and build support for capital investment in projects crucial to support economic growth in the region and meet a growing demand for passenger rail service.

Amtrak Vermonter makes inaugural run on Knowledge Corridor

Massachusetts Gov.Deval Patrick joined Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA-1) and James McGovern (D-MA-3), Massachusetts Department of Transportation Acting Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Frank DePaola, local elected officials and community members Dec. 22 for the inaugural run of Amtrak‘s Vermonter service on the Knowledge Corridor.

CHSRA reaches settlement with Bakersfield; plans for groundbreaking ceremony

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has reached a settlement agreement with the city of Bakersfield, Calif., which will result in the dismissal of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) litigation over the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Fresno to Bakersfield project section of the high-speed rail program.

President Obama signs legislation extending shortline tax credit extension and enacting omnibus spending bill

President Obama signed two key pieces of legislation last week that will impact the rail industry.

HDR selected for D.C. to Richmond HSR environmental impact statement

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has selected HDR to provide a Tier II Environmental Impact Statement for proposed high-speed rail to improve passenger rail service and alleviate congestion between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va.

Boxhold appointed FDOT secretary

Jim Boxold has been named Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, (FDOT) effective January 3, 2015.

John D. Dingell Transit Center opens in Dearborn, Mich.

The John D. Dingell Transit Center located at 21201 W. Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, Mich., is officially open.

Amtrak Vermonter Service returns to The Knowledge Corridor at the end of December

Amtrak‘s Vermonter service to the Knowledge Corridor will return on December 29, 2014, with stops in Greenfield and Northampton, Mass.

CHSRA awards contract for Fresno to North of Bakersfield segment of high-speed line

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has identified Dragados/Flatiron/Shimmick as the best value team for the design-build contract for Construction Package 2-3 (CP 2-3), the next 65 mile segment from Fresno to North of Bakersfield.

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