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.
Rapid Transit/Light Rail
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.
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.
RTD bench testing crossing signals for I-225 rail line
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver began off-site “bench testing” in January of train and traffic signals for at-grade crossings on the FasTracks I-225 Rail R Line.
LACMTA lays out plan to advance projects to “shovel ready” stage
In an action to move major rail, bus and highway projects closer to implementation, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) implemented a strategy to aggressively accelerate projects to help bring them to a “shovel-ready” state.
Former SFMTA and SCVTA CEO to lead Caltrain Modernization Program
Michael Burns, who retired as the chief executive officer for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) in 2014, will take the reins of the Caltrain Modernization Program, which the acengy called the most transformative project in the rail system’s 150-year history. Burns was appointed interim chief, Caltrain Modernization officer. He will begin his new role Feb. 8.
Construction on Metrolinx’s East Rail Maintenance Facility progressing
Officials with the province of Ontario say the construction Metrolinx‘s East Rail Maintenance Facility, which will support GO Transit’s planned service expansions including Regional Express Rail program, is well underway.
FRA gives go ahead to new BWI rail station
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the new Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) rail station. The project includes adding a fourth track to nine miles of the Northeast Corridor surrounding BWI and reconfiguring the platforms to allow boarding from all four tracks.
Metrolink to begin tie replacement project
Beginning Feb. 8, Metrolink will begin replacing 21,000 crossties in Orange County, Calif., over the course of nine weeks between the cities of Orange and San Juan Capistrano.
Two transit projects to benefit from Ontario’s second green bond
Ontario has successfully issued its second green bond, raising CA$750 million (US$542 million) to support environmentally friendly, low-carbon infrastructure projects. Proceeds from the bond will help fund eight projects including, transit, and create jobs in communities across Ontario. The bonds have a maturity date of January 27, 2023.
LACMTA names TBM for Crenshaw/LAX line; pre-revenue testing begins on Gold Line Foothill Extension
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) named the Crenshaw/LAX Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) Harriet, after Harriet Tubman, the former slave and key player in the Underground Railroad that helped slaves escape the south for the north.
SEPTA celebrates new West Terminal at 69th Transportation Center
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officially opened the new West Terminal at 69th Street Transportation Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 29.