Feds sign off on Metro Blue Line extension environmental review
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has given its approval to the Metro Blue Line Extension Light Rail Transit Project’s environmental review.
Passenger
LACMTA wants to accelerate rail to West Hollywood
West Hollywood would see rail service become a reality through an accelerated schedule per a letter from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to the city.
Amtrak names program management support team for Gateway Program
Amtrak has chosen Hill International and CH2M to provide program management support services for its Gateway Program in the Northeast Corridor.
Metra cuts 2017 operating budget
Metra, which serves the suburbs of the Chicagoland area, has reduced its 2017 operating budget by incorporating $5.3 million in savings and operating efficiencies.
MTA reopens two stations following renewal efforts
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) reopened two stations—the Saratoga Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue 3 line stations—Sept. 19 as the projects draw closer to completion.
Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx issue two RFQs, one RFP for station, tunnel work
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx are moving forward with the procurement process to build four GO rail stations and a rail tunnel to support Go Regional Express Rail (RER).
FTA grants $1 billion to SANDAG trolley extension
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) committed $1 billion toward the construction of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Blue Line Trolley extension.
New York makes $27.9 million available for rail and port projects
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sept. 14 that $27.9 million in state funding is now available to go toward initiatives to maintain and improve rail and port services in major trade and passenger travel corridors.
Hill International awarded Sound Transit project management contract extension
Hill International, an American construction consulting firm, has received a contract extension from Sound Transit for design-build project management services during the upcoming phase of the E360 Segment of the Seattle, Washington-based East Link Light Rail extension project.
Phase 2 of MTA’s intense track clean up begins
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has begun Phase 2 of its “Operation Track Sweep,” a multi-phase plan to get trash off of subway tracks, which is expected to minimize train delays and lower the risks of track fires.
FRA awards $25 million in safety grants
Safety at crossings, stations and tracks in 14 states and the District of Columbia will be enhanced thanks to $25 million in grants awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
MBTA resumes winter resiliency efforts
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) had extra help kicking off its second phase of winter resiliency work during the weekend of Sept. 10-11.
Cincinnati Bell Connector opens for business
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and other local officials gathered last week to celebrate the Cincinnati Streetcar’s grand opening.
TranSystems hires Shaeffer as senior project manager
TranSystems Corp., an engineering and architecture solutions consulting firm, has hired Dana Shaeffer, PE, as its new senior project manager.
Public transit deemed safest way to commute
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a study this week that reveals a 90 percent drop in safety risks for those who commute using public transportation rather than driving.
MBTA advances bridge replacement work
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will progress work on the second phase of a bridge replacement project this fall.
ConnDOT prefers long span vertical lift bridge for Walk Bridge replacement
The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) preferred alternative to replace the Walk Bridge in Norwalk, Conn., is a Long Span Vertical Lift bridge.
WSDOT still has $5 million available for freight rail projects
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has reopened the application period for $5 million in loans for freight rail projects.
HNTB adds rail expert Joseph Rago to team
Joseph Rago, PE, CEM, LEED, joined HNTB Corporation as senior project manager and associate vice president in the firm’s Northeast Division rail and transit practice. He is based in the firm’s Newark, New Jersey, office.
TriMet completes Rose Quarter MAX improvements
TriMet resumed regular service along MAX light-rail lines Sept. 4 in Portland, Ore., following improvements that were made during the past two weeks.