Caltrain receives $3.2 million for modernization

Caltrain will receive $3.2 million in U.S. Department of Transportation grant funds to install an advanced signal system needed to support modernized Caltrain service and the eventual addition of high-speed rail.

Ohio utility commission OKs seven crossing upgrades

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission for the installation of flashing lights and gates at seven highway-rail grade crossings in Ashtabula, Fayette, Medina, Summit and Wayne counties.

RailComm to provide DOC system to PATH’s Harrison Yard

RailComm has been selected to provide a wireless remote control 3rd rail and switch heater system for Port Authority Trans-Hudson’s (PATH) Harrison Yard in New Jersey.

UP campaign urges Austin residents to stop for trains

Stop for trains because they cannot stop for you. It is a message Union Pacific and Operation Lifesaver are rolling out as part of a bilingual awareness campaign aimed at promoting safety around railroad tracks in Austin, Texas.

MTA recognizes safety honors agency wide

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority recognized agency-wide contributions to a safer work environment at the 15th annual Chairman’s Safety Awards last week. At a ceremony in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall, MTA leaders recognized team achievements within the MTA and its operating agencies.

Dr. Zarembski hired at the University of Delaware

Dr. Allan M. Zarembski accepted a position as research professor and director of the Railroad Engineering and Safety Program, Department of Civil Engineering, at the University of Delaware.

Sen. Durbin, CSX’s Ward discuss rail safety

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met with the CEO of CSX Michael Ward to discuss improving rail safety. Durbin asked the Association of American Railroads to conduct a comprehensive review of railroad industry plans and practices to ensure trains can move safely and efficiently throughout the country during extreme weather events. Durbin also requested that the findings of this review be made available to the public.

PUCO approves upgrade of rail crossings in Logan and Scioto counties

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern to install flashing lights and gates at two grade crossings.

MAP-21 grants FTA new authority for transit safety

U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff joined Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski and top safety and transit officials to celebrate a legislative victory that will ensure that transit passengers in the United States who board a light rail, commuter rail, heavy rail or transit bus will travel on a system governed by robust federal safety oversight for the first time.

FRA and OSHA sign agreement to protect railroad workers from retaliation

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) signed an agreement to improve coordination between the two agencies in enforcing the whistleblower provision of the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA).

KCS to focus on restricted speed compliance

In July, KCS’ U.S. transportation team is swapping its regular Safety Tuesday messages with a month-long outreach and a testing blitz focused on restricted speed compliance.

Rio Grande Pacific selects RailComm

RailComm has been chosen to provide Domain Operations Controller train control system for the Rio Grande Pacific Corporation. The DOC system will have functionality for Track Warrant Control through its web-enabled software-as-a-service delivery method.

Five Ohio crossings to receive upgrades

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern to install flashing lights and gates at five grade crossings in Fairfield, Henry, Logan, Preble and Shelby counties.

CSX completes $34 million maintenance “Jamboree”

Earlier this month more than 900 CSX employees worked to complete the company’s 2012 maintenance “Jamboree” on a section of its network in the Southeast.

Illinois authorizes $800 million in rail and transit improvements

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a law to begin the next phase of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program, which is designed to create jobs, strengthen the transportation system and support economic growth across Illinois.

Grade crossings in Washington, Ohio to see improvements

Washington state regulators approved funds to improve the safety at two railroad crossings in Stevens County, Wash.

REES 2012 a success for railway engineering education

A successful Railway Engineering Education Symposium (REES) was held June 11-13 in Overland Park, Kan. REES 2012 brought together 28 “student professors” and 21 instructors, who represented more than 30 universities from both the United States and Canada.

FRA to study NEC improvements, proposes revised passenger emergency preparedness regs

The Federal Railroad Administration issued a Notice of Intent that it will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate potential passenger rail improvements on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston, Mass. The FRA is leading the planning and environmental evaluation of the NEC, an effort known as NEC Future, in close coordination with the involved states, the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission, Amtrak and other stakeholders.

All surface transportation reauthorization bill needs is President’s signature

Both the House and Senate passed “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century,” or MAP-21, on Friday, June 29. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation into law shortly.

BNSF plans $92 million capital program in Oklahoma

BNSF plans to invest an estimated $92 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Oklahoma this year.

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