SamTrans names CFO

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) has hired Ilia Kay as chief financial officer (CFO).

GE awarded contract to power Tampa Aiport’s APM

GE has been awarded a contract to power up the Tampa International Airport Automated People Mover (APM) in Florida. The company will provide power equipment and be responsible for system integration, engineering expertise and installation of the traction power substation, which will provide around-the-clock delivery of power to the APM.

Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx requests Finch West LRT bids from three companies

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx released a Request for Proposals to companies shortlisted to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West Light Rail Transit project (LRT).

CHSRA draft plan reduces cost; prioritizes north segment

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released the Draft 2016 Business Plan, a foundational document for implementing the California High-Speed Rail program that reflects the transition from planning to construction to providing passenger service. Overall capital costs are reduced from $67.6 billion to $64.2 billion.

Combined FEIS/ROD issued for Durham-Orange light-rail project

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has signed the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) for the proposed Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project, which concludes the environmental review phase under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

HNTB names new associate vice president in Massachusetts

HNTB Corporation promoted Ali Tali, PE, to associate vice president. He currently serves as structural department manager in the firm’s Massachusetts office.

FRA wants states to verify proper function of traffic lights tied to crossings

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has called on state departments of transportation to verify that railroad crossing warning systems interconnected to traffic lights function properly and urged states to add event recorders to traffic lights connected to railroad crossing systems so information obtained during inspections can be used to improve safety. Across the United States, there are nearly 5,000 railroad crossings interconnected with traffic lights.

Two LACMTA rail projects receive federal appropriations

The U.S. Department of Transportation plans to award $300 million to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for two major rail projects in Los Angeles County.

The success of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge rehab project

All parties involved in the recent reconstruction of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge agree that a focus on scheduling and coordination helped the project finish on time and on budget with no major injuries reported.

HNTB adds rail leadership to N.C., New York and New Jersey offices

HNTB Corporation’s promoted nine in its New York and New Jersey offices and added a new hire in its North Carolina office.

Eurovia expands into Canada with acquisition of Rail Cantech

Eurovia has finalized the acquisition of Canadian rail contractor Rail Cantech.

Edmonton Valley Line LRT contract signed

A contract has been finalized between the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and TransEd Partners to finance, design, supply vehicles, build, operate and maintain the first phase of the Edmonton Valley Line Light Rail Transit project.

Proposed budget for FTA CIG program includes funding for 25 rail projects


President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget includes $3.5 billion to advance the construction or completion of 31 transportation projects in18 states, of which 25 are rail specific.

MTA to issue Green Bonds to help pay for infrastructure renewal


The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will offer its first-ever Green Bonds to the public in a two-day order period starting February 17.

NRC names Rick Ebersold to the board

National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has appointed Rick Ebersold, president of Herzog Services, Inc., to fill a temporarily open seat on the NRC Board of Directors. The NRC Board unanimously supported the nomination made by Chairman of the Board Chris Daloisio.

Canada helps fund GO Transit, SkyTrain station upgrades


Canada is helping to pay for improvements at two passenger stations in Ontario and British Columbia.

Automated People Mover is cornerstone to LAX upgrade

An Automated People Mover (APM) is a major part of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) upgrade project, which is part of the larger Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP).

MTA adopts community outreach plan for Canarsie Tube rebuild

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has developed a plan to engage in detailed community consultation on how to proceed with necessary repairs for the Canarsie Tubes, which carry the L train under the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Rep. Goodlatte tours Progress Rail’s Roanoke facility

On February 5, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-06) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association member company Progress Rail Services for a tour of its locomotive and rail car services facility in Roanoke, Va.

NYC mayor unveils Brooklyn to Queens streetcar proposal

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says explosive housing and job growth occurring along the Brooklyn Queens waterfront are placing ever-increasing demands on the area’s roads and public transit. New York City Mayor de Blasio believes that it is crucial to link this new development with the larger fabric of the city, which is why he has proposed the Brooklyn Queens Connector urban streetcar.

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