MWAA: Silver Line costs increase due to design modification

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) says that design modifications made to enhance the safety and reliability of the Metrorail Silver Line, along with remaining work to finalize Phase 1 of the overall project, will add $76 million, or about 2.6 percent, to the previously announced Phase 1 cost. The new Phase 1 cost remains within the original federally approved Phase 1 budget.

Met Council says delays have cost Southwest LRT project $341 million

Analysis released by the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) concludes that test results and project delays have increased the cost of the Southwest LRT Project to $1.994 billion – a $341-million increase.

AAR marks another successful annual research review

The 20th Annual AAR Research Review was held March 31-April 1 in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the Hotel Elegante. The review brought approximately 550 attendees to the event, which had a theme of “Research Innovation for Current and Future Needs of North American Railways.”

Metrolinx moving forward with plans for Caledonia GO Station

Metrolinx is moving forward with plans to add a new GO station on the Barrie GO Line at Eglinton Avenue West to serve the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Bentley issues call for submissions to 2015 Be Inspired awards

Bentley Systems, Inc., issued its call for submissions to the 2015 Be Inspired Awards program; the deadline for entries is May 31, 2015.

Massachusetts Gov. Baker files MBTA reform bill

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker filed “An Act for a Reliable, Sustainable MBTA,” acting on many of the recommendations made by the special panel that reported their findings earlier this month.

IDOT launches statewide listening tour to discuss Illinois infrastructure needs

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with the Illinois Capital Development Board, has started a series of listening sessions to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs and the steps required “to make sure the right investments are being made to keep Illinois competitive in a 21st century global economy.” The meetings will be held in multiple communities throughout the state over the next month, with a goal of presenting Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office with a comprehensive package of recommendations for consideration this spring.

Eglinton Crosstown TBMs moved to begin western segment boring

Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have moved to begin tunneling the western segment of the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit (LRT).

BART affirms safety is top priority following NTSB report

Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) reiterated its commitment to employee safety following the issuance of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) final report regarding an October 2013 accident in which two engineering employees were struck and killed.

Rep. Steve Cohen tours Atlantic Track’s Memphis facility

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (R-TN-09) joined representatives from Atlantic Track and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) for a tour of Atlantic Track’s Memphis, Tenn., operations and facility.

SEPTA breaks ground on 69th Street West Terminal renovations

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) kicked off the West Terminal Improvements Project at 69th Street Transportation Center.

Dallas returns streetcar service following half a century absence

Dallas streetcar service resumed April 13 after a near 50-year absence on a 1.6-mile route from downtown’s Union Station to Oak Cliff’s Methodist Dallas Medical Center. This marks the first phase of Dallas’ modern streetcar system.

TTC, Bechtel sign project management contract for Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has entered into an agreement with Bechtel Canada Co. for project management of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) for up to $80 million.

DEIS published for Sound Transit for Federal Way Link Extension

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for extending Link light rail to Kent/Des Moines and, when funding is available, to Federal Way.

FTA’s McMillan: Long-term transportation funding will stop filling potholes

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Acting Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan, along with transportation infrastructure supporters across the country, highlighted the need for long-term transportation funding to support a robust and sustainable transportation system.

WMATA to return Red Line to automatic train operation

Following years of signal upgrades, independent testing and the closure of key National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations, Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority will return the Red Line to automatic train operation (ATO) on April 13.

Skanska awarded contract to rehab trio of Brooklyn stations

Skanska has signed a contract with Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) for the renewal of three train stations in Brooklyn, N.Y.

“Stand Up For Transportation Day” aims to spur support of federal transportation funding

Stand Up for Transportation Day, April 9, is an effort headed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) that aims to galvanize support of federal funding of America’s public transportation, roads, bridges and rail systems.

MBTA special panel calls for Fiscal Control Board to help fix “management failures”

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s special panel tasked with reviewing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) functions and practices outlined a plan of action to reform and improve the authority. The panel’s recommendations include creating a five-member Fiscal and Management Control Board, as well as the creation of one, five and 20 year spending plans after the group “uncovered massive structural and management failures that are on pace to bankrupt the system if left unchecked.”

Expo Light Rail Line begins testing

In California, clearance testing for the second phase of the Expo Metro Line Construction Authority’s Expo Line light-rail project began April 6 with a train running under its own power running west from Culver City. This is the first time a light-rail vehicle has crossed the new bridge over Venice Boulevard.

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