Rush named SVP safety & operations; VanderClute retires
The Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) Senior Vice President of Safety and Operations Robert VanderClute has retired.
Safety
LIRR plans Mid-Suffolk Yard expansion
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) opened the Mid-Suffolk Train Yard Information Center at Ronkonkoma Station so customers and community residents can learn about the LIRR’s proposal for enlarging its train yard in Ronkonkoma.
First FTA safety investigator suits up
George Good, Jr., the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) first full-time safety investigator recently began according to a blog post to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Fast Lane.”
RailComm upgrades Louisville yard
A North American Class 1 railroad with a large switching yard located in Louisville, Ky., has chosen to upgrade their existing RailComm yard control system.
NS plans $2.4 billion capital expenditure program in 2015
Norfolk Southern is targeting a $2.4-billion capital expenditure program in 2015 the railroad revealed during its fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 results presentation. This year’s program reflects a $277-million increase over the railroad’s 2014 program.
Union Pacific employees achieve best-ever annual safety performance
Union Pacific says its 2014 annual employee safety performance was the best in company history. Employees achieved a 0.98 reportable injury rate, surpassing the previous record established in 2012.
RailComm installs heater control system at SEPTA
RailComm completed the installation of an advanced remote switch and third rail heater control system for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
L.B. Foster acquires U.K.’s TEW Engineering
L.B. Foster Company acquired TEW Engineering Ltd., a U.K.-based engineering group that designs, manufactures and supports applications for rail markets and other industries. The 100-year-old firm specializes in rail engineering solutions for control room, passenger information and trackside signaling applications.
TSB points finger at wheel climb at switch point for 2013 Alberta derailment
In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that a Canadian Pacific train derailed when a wheel flange struck and climbed a switch point and then fell between the switch point and the rail.
NCDOT, CSX to begin A-line crossover project
CSX, in partnership with North Carolina Department of Transporation, will begin construction on a series of projects to build universal crossovers on the CSX A-line in three eastern North Carolina locations: South Weldon, Enfield and Rocky Mount. Construction at the three project locations will include grading, drainage improvements, track and signal construction.
CSX sets 2015 capital expenditures at $2.5 billion
CSX Corporation had a lot of good news for investors during this mornings Quarter 4 2014 earnings conference call including record fourth-quarter 2014 net earnings. The railroad also unveiled that it will target a $2.5-billion capital expenditure program in the upcoming year. In 2014, the railroad targeted a $2.3-billion capital spend program.
NTSB Most Wanted 2015: PTC implementation; improved tank car and mass transit safety
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says rail tank cars that carry crude oil, ethanol and other hazardous materials across the country must do it more safely, which is why it is one of four new issues on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List for 2015.
KCS PTC update: Data surveying and training underway
Kansas City Southern says it has begun training on Positive Train Control (PTC) track and wayside data management at the TEaM Training Center in Shreveport, La. Approximately 160 people were trained last week and another group will start this week.
Feinberg named Acting Administrator of FRA
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Chief of Staff Sarah Feinberg will serve as acting administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), succeeding Joseph Szabo who was appointed and confirmed as the agency’s twelfth Administrator in 2009. Szabo stepped down as the agency’s head Jan 9.
NCRR completes work on siding and bridge at Lenoir-Wayne County Line
Construction has been completed on a new passing siding and bridge on the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) corridor near the Lenoir-Wayne County line.
MnDOT study prioritizes rail safety improvements
Safety improvements at grade crossings along crude-by-rail corridors are the focus of a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) study that identifies locations where improvements will make the transport of oil safer for residents, workers and emergency responders.
NTSB issues safety alert regarding LED and incandescent signal visibility
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a Safety Alert that focuses on the visibility of railroad signals.
Washington state approves funds to upgrade 59 crossings in five counties
Washington state regulators approved funding for safety upgrades at 59 railroad crossings in Spokane, Whitman, Grant, Adams and King counties.
BNSF wye project partners sign MOU to apply for federal funds
BNSF, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the city of Willmar, Kandiyohi County and the Kandiyohi/Willmar Economic Development Commission have entered into a revised Memorandum of Understanding allowing the partners to apply for federal funds to help pay for a wye project.
Amtrak Vermonter makes inaugural run on Knowledge Corridor
Massachusetts Gov.Deval Patrick joined Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA-1) and James McGovern (D-MA-3), Massachusetts Department of Transportation Acting Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Frank DePaola, local elected officials and community members Dec. 22 for the inaugural run of Amtrak‘s Vermonter service on the Knowledge Corridor.