TIGER IV funding light on rail

No official word from the U.S. Department of Transportation has been released regarding awards of the fourth round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, but news from various congressional offices is revealing what projects will benefit from the latest round of grants. The initial tally indicates rail related projects did not fare as well as they had in past TIGER funding cycles, but several key projects will see federal money.

Regional agreement to fund Caltrain modernization is approved

The approval by the city of San Jose, Calif., is the last endorsement needed for a regional agreement to fully fund the modernization of the San Francisco Bay area Caltrain system.

MTA New York City Transit declares latest round of FASTRACK a success

June 15 saw the wrap-up of another round of FASTRACK activities as hundreds of Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit workers completed their tasks along the Lexington Avenue Line prior to the start of the morning rush.

Skanska awarded contract for WMATA test track and commissioning facility

Skanska has been awarded a $66 million contract from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to design and construct a test track, commissioning facility, parking garage and other facilities near the existing Greenbelt Maintenance Yard in Prince George’s County, Md. The contract will be included in the order bookings for Skanska USA Civil for the second quarter 2012.

Denver RTD receives two sound proposals for I-225 rail project

The Denver Regional Transportation District received two competitive proposals for the I-225 Light Rail Project.

Maintenance-of-Way Challenges: Automated tie inspection

Automated crosstie evaluation systems work toward removing  subjectivity and improving accuracy of crosstie inspections.

High-speed rail grinding and metal removal

Controlling grinding speed allows for the amount of metal removal to be fine-tuned and results in improved effectiveness and utilization of grinding operations.

Skanska signs Moynihan Station contract

Skanska has signed a contract with the Moynihan Station Development Corporation (MSDC) to complete the first phase of an expansion to New York City’s Penn Station, to create the new Moynihan Station. The contract value for Skanska is $148 million, which will be included in order bookings for Skanska USA Civil for the second quarter 2012.

TriMet Board adopts FY13 budget, includes cuts and fare changes to close shortfall

TriMet Board of Directors in Portland, Ore., adopted the agency’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

Parsons Brinkerhoff names two to management team

Parsons Brinckerhoff named Greg Kelly to the newly created position of global chief operating officer. Clifford Eby succeeds Kelly as president of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Americas Transportation operating company.

Not quite the end of the line

To all my faithful readers, this will be the last monthly installment of “Chicago Perspective.” I thank you for giving me a platform for 13 years where my thoughts, opinions, theories and assessments of the industry have been allowed to flourish.  

SEPTA schedules track renewal project for Route 34 trolley

Track renewal for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will take place on Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 42nd Street, 49th to 52nd Street, 54th to 55th Street and at the intersection at 58th Street.

Illinois to St. Louis HSR corridor enters final stage of construction

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are beginning the final phase of 2012 upgrades to Illinois’ signature high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed Amtrak trains.

Study says Caltrain modernization could produce billions in economic benefits

Modernizing San Fransisco-area Caltrain commuter service is expected to create the equivalent of almost 9,600 jobs, increase property values and generate overall economic benefits of up to $2.5 billion, according to a new study the Bay Area Council Economic Institute released ahead of a decision on high-speed rail that could provide critical funding for the project.

Rehabbed Amtrak station opens in Battle Creek, Michigan

The city of Battle Creek, Mich., has completed a $3.6-million renovation and remodeling of the Intermodal Transportation Center used by Amtrak and other carriers, transforming it into a modern facility that is so different that even the entrance and the address have been changed.

First twin tunnels section completed for TTC subway extension

The first 1.6 kilometers (one mile) of twin tunnels for the Toronto Transit Commission Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) in Canada has been completed.

Santa Clara VTA awards railroad relocation contract

California Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors voted Thursday, June 7, 2012, to authorize VTA’s general manager to execute a $45,040,277 contract with RGW Construction, Inc., for the Mission/Warren/Freight Railroad Relocation (MWT) Program improvements.

FRA issues final rule regarding ENS at grade crossings

The Federal Railroad Administration issued new regulations requiring railroads to install signs at grade crossings and pathway crossings with telephone numbers the public can use to alert railroad companies to unsafe conditions.

NJ Transit aims to keep citizens off the tracks

Led by duo public service announcements spotlighting the deadly consequences resulting from poor choices made at railroad crossings, NJ Transit Board Chairman and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson, NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein and members of the NJ Safety at Railroad Crossings Leadership Oversight Committee unveiled a new series of safety initiatives at separate events in Camden and Bergen counties.

FASTRACK returns to the NYCT’s Lexington Avenue Line

Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit is bringing FASTRACK back to the Lexington Avenue Line.

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