Pennsylvania hires Zarembski to evaluate, advise on freight system risk mitigation
The state of Pennsylvania has hired Dr. Allan M. Zarembski to a three-month contract to assess the state freight system, which hosts 60-70 crude oil trains a week.
Safety
RTD’s I-255 Line is 60 percent complete
The Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) 10.5 mile-long I-225 Rail Line in Aurora, Colo., is now 60 percent finished.
UP marks grade-crossing safety milestone
Union Pacific credits a focus on community safety outreach, operating processes and employee training resulting in a record first-quarter grade-crossing safety performance, demonstrating ongoing progress toward the company’s ultimate goal of zero incidents.
J. Reilly McCarren, 1956-2015
J. Reilly McCarren, one of the most accomplished and respected railroaders of the past 35 years, died April 26, 2015 at his Kenilworth, Ill., home after a long battle with cancer. He was 58.
UP achieves record first-quarter employee safety rate
Union Pacific employees achieved record first-quarter safety performance with a reportable injury rate of 0.85, demonstrating ongoing progress toward the company’s ultimate goal of zero incidents.
New crossing funds; safety blitzes to draw focus on safety during Canada’s Rail Safety Week
As part of Rail Safety Week in Canada April 27 through May 3, Canadian National has launched its annual public awareness campaign stressing the deadly risks of trespassing on railway tracks and property. In 2014, there were 58 trespasser accidents in Canada that caused 36 fatalities and 21 serious injuries.
RRIF loan to help Metro-North, LIRR install PTC
The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan of $967.1 million to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which will finance the installment of positive train control on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (Metro North).
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.”
Another PTC extension bill enters the fray
Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced their version of a Positive Train Control (PTC) extension bill that joins a similar effort introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).
RailComm installs shove track protection system
RailComm has completed the implementation of a shove track protection system for a private coal mining facility located in Alabama. RailComm provided indication and detection subsystems, as well as wireless communications to keep both subsystems in communication.
Ricardo to acquire Lloyd’s Register Rail
Ricardo has signed a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire the business, operating assets and employees of Lloyd’s Register Rail (LR Rail) for £42.5 million (US$63.5 million).
FRA awards eight grants totaling $21.2 million
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded eight grants totaling more than $21.2 million that invest in grade-crossing safety, Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation and passenger rail.
Metra implements close call reporting system
Chicago’s Metra has created the “Confidential Close Call Reporting System,” which is designed to proactively address safety issues and create a more positive safety culture.
CN plans capital program to upgrade western Canada feeder rail lines
Canadian National‘s multi-year capital program will invest approximately CA$500 million (US$409 million) in infrastructure improvements for its western Canada feeder rail lines in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan that are handling rising volumes of industrial products, natural resources and energy-related commodities.
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.
BNSF recognizes Employees of the Year
BNSF recognized a special group of employees for their outstanding achievements in 2014 at an awards ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, April 13.
Federal grant to help Amtrak install PTC in New York
New York has received a $3-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Intercity Passenger Rail Grade Crossing Improvements, Positive Train Control Implementation and Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan Grant Program.
AAR launches latest Freight Rail Works campaign
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) debuted the latest installment of its Freight Rail Works campaign, an exploration of freight rail’s investments in building, growing and maintaining the nation’s freight rail network. The campaign combines television, radio and online components to showcase the projects and innovation that help give U.S. businesses a competitive edge.
GE wins All Aboard Florida signaling contract
All Aboard Florida (AAF) has selected GE Transportation to design and manufacture signaling equipment for the entire length of the 235-mile rail corridor connecting Miami and Orlando. The passenger-rail project is scheduled to begin initial service from Miami to West Pam Beach in late 2016.
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.