Agreements between Amtrak, 19 states push rail improvements forward

Amtrak and 19 state transportation departments and other entities have negotiated contracts to increase state control and funding of 28 current passenger rail routes.

Crosstie replacement begins along COASTER route

North County Transit District (NCTD) in San Diego, Calif., began a $2 million crosstie replacement project on the coastal rail corridor used for passenger rail service October 7. The project is expected to be completed by November 24.

CTC allocates $167 million to California rail projects

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $359 million to 36 projects. The CTC says the funds represent an investment that will create jobs bolstering the state’s economy, reduce traffic congestion, repair highways and bridges and improve rail service.

Confederation Line tunnel construction begins

Tunnel construction for the Confederation Line Light Rail Transit system in Ottawa, ON, Canada, has begun.

CHSRA begins bid process for second phase of construction

After signing the construction contract for the first 29 miles of high-speed rail from Madera to Fresno, Calif., the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) called for contractors to submit their qualifications to bid on the next 60-mile phase of construction from Fresno south to the Tulare-Kern County line near Bakersfield.

Metro-North completes drainage improvements, names SVP operations

Improvements to the open stream channel and removal of years of sediment have tamed the Sing Sing Creek, which flows under the Metro-North Railroad tracks in Ossining, N.Y., and empties into the Hudson River.

Government shutdown temporarily halts Hampton Roads transit studies

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has temporarily suspended work on two transit studies and is reviewing its operations for other potentially impacted services as a result of the shutdown by the federal government.

X Train, city of Fullerton extend MOU

Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), entered into an agreement with the city of Fullerton, Calif., to extend its previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

IHSR reaches final phase for 2013 improvements

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are performing the last of three phases of 2013 upgrades to Illinois’ signature high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future 110 mph operation of Amtrak Lincoln Service trains.

CTA awards $240 million contract for the Red Line 95th Street Terminal project

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) hired Walsh/II in One JV as its construction manager/general contractor to oversee the $240-million Red Line 95th Street Terminal project.

DART Board elects chair, vice chair

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has elected Robert Strauss, a partner at the Dallas-based law firm of Strasburger & Price, LLP, to chair of its board of directors.

Amtrak begins third phase of Michigan track improvements

The last of three Michigan track improvement phases for the 2013 construction season begins between Jackson and Kalamazoo on October 14. While the project will cause some delays and modified schedules, the result will be upgraded tracks and more reliable service as part of the Accelerated Rail Program being carried out by Amtrak for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

MTA NYCT names Joseph Leader as SVP of Subways

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) has appointed Joseph Leader to senior vice president, Department of Subways, who has served as acting senior vice president since May, 2013.

T.Y. Lin International promotes two to vice president

T.Y. Lin International (TYLI) promoted Vincent Montgomery, PE, and Paula Pienton, SE, PE, to vice president. Since joining TYLI in February 2013, Montgomery has held the position of national director of freight rail. Pienton came to TYLI in 2012 as regional market sector lead for transit and rail for TYLI’s Central Region.

Metro-North resumes full service on New Haven Line

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad resumed full train service on the New Haven Line October 7.

SCVTA names new GM

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) Board of Directors has appointed Nuria Fernandez to general manager, effective early December 2013.

All Aboard Florida secures right-of-way, station agreements

All Aboard Florida, the intercity passenger rail project to connect Miami to Orlando, reached two significant agreements this week for right-of-way access and station development.

SFMTA begins construction of Central Subway stations, tracks and operating systems

Construction of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Central Subway‘s stations, tracks and operating systems has begun, extending the Muni Metro T Third Line underground.

SCVTA BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project named “Neatest Thing in 2013”

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project was voted “Best Example of Government Funding” and received an Honor Award for “Neatest Thing in 2013” by the Milpitas Post for its 23rd Annual Reader’s Choice Awards.

Southwest LRT: Shallow tunnels recommended along the preferred route in Minneapolis

Building shallow tunnels for light rail along the preferred route in Minneapolis is the most cost-effective solution and best long-term investment for the region, Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) green line extension planners said.

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