Port Metro Vancouver begins South Shore Corridor Project
In Vancouver, BC, Canada, construction of the South Shore Corridor Project at Port Metro Vancouver began Feb. 21.
Safety
Obama renews call for infrastructure investment
President Obama resumed a push for infrastructure investment first outlined in his State of the Union speech. The plan outlines three main points to bring the nation’s infrastructure into a state-of-good-repair and create jobs “that cannot be outsourced.”
RailComm to provide Track Warrant Control System to Mexican railroad
RailComm has been selected to provide its computerized Track Warrant Control System to Compañía de Ferrocarriles Chiapas Mayab railroad, located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
ConnDOT expedites crossing gate installation, PUCO approves four crossing upgrades
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) plans to expedite the installation of vehicle warning gates at the Long Ridge Road grade crossing in Redding, Conn.
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NTSB to hold forum on Positive Train Control
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a public forum on Positive Train Control (PTC) on Feb. 27, 2013.
Citywide quiet zone coming to Dana Point, Calif.
Starting Feb. 14, Dana Point, Calif., will join the list of quiet-zone communities in Orange County.
WMATA report card shows gains in 2012
Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WAMTA) made significant gains in train reliability, reduced employee and customer injuries, as well as other markers in 2012, according to its annual “Vital Signs” report card, which will be presented to its board of directors Feb. 14.
Bombardier wins international innovation awards for safety technology
Bombardier Transportation has won two international innovation awards for its TrackSafe technology, designed to improve safety and productivity for railway track workers.
Labor agreement between CN, IBEW ratified for C&S workers
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council 11, which represents approximately 700 Canadian National (CN) signals and communications employees in Canada, ratified a four-year collective labor agreement with the railroad.
Rail partners explore Washington state mudslide causes, solutions
Four rail partners involved in service and safety in the corridor between Seattle and Everett, Wash., are putting a new focus on understanding the root causes and potential solutions to mudslides that resulted in a record number of Amtrak Cascades and Sounder passenger-service disruptions this winter.
PUCO approves upgrade of rail crossing in Clinton County
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Indiana & Ohio Railway to install mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at the Lazenby Street grade crossing in the village of Blanchester, Clinton County.
FTA environmental review process goes through revision
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) revised the environmental review process, required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will expedite the process for all proposed transit projects seeking federal funds.
UP’s Twin Cities Service Unit sees 70 percent improvement in safety
As reported by RT&S yesterday (click here), Union Pacific had their best safety year to date with achieving a 1.01 reportable injury rate in 2012.
Ohio utilities commission approves eight rail upgrades in Montgomery County
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern to upgrade eight grade crossings in the city of Miamisburg in Montgomery County.
Union Pacific employees mark 2012 as safest year
Union Pacific’s 2012 employee safety performance was the best in the company’s 150-year history. Employees achieved a 1.01 reportable injury rate, surpassing the previous best of 1.15 established in 2011. From 2002-2012, Union Pacific employees improved their reportable injury rate by 58 percent.
KCS’ U.S. engineering team hits safety stride, prepares for continued performance
In 2012, Kansas City Sourthern’s U.S. engineering department achieved a record low injury frequency ratio.
AREMA accepting applications for its scholarship program and design competition
The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Educational Foundation is accepting applications for the 2013 Scholarship Program. The deadline is March 8, 2013.
National Safety Council recognizes WMATA’s Sarles with award
Richard Sarles, general manager and CEO of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was selected for the 2013 CEOs Who “Get It.” The list is an annual recognition of business leaders who demonstrate world-class safety and is compiled by the National Safety Council (NCS).
Port of Los Angeles begins construction on West Basin Railyard
Construction has begun on a staging and storage rail yard that will serve as a critical link between the Port of Los Angeles and the Alameda Corridor.