Charleston, S.C., looking at major project to eliminate at-grade railroad crossings
The city of Charleston, S.C., wants to eliminate some at-grade rail crossings, and is ready to put up some serious money to do so.
Safety
BNSF Rail Talk: The forecast calls for clearer wind data
Operating in the plains and deserts of the United States, BNSF and other western railroads often confront extremely high winds, with some so powerful that they can blow a standing train on its side. In this post, BNSF discusses how these winds behave and how the railroad leverages technology to enable train crews to avoid them.
Watch: Union Pacific develops vegetation management technology
Developed by the railroad’s own employees, the new spraying technology boosts its ability to manage vegetation while translating to more efficiency for Union Pacific’s entire 23-state network.
Report: Former Amtrak engineer found not guilty in 2015 derailment
Ex-Amtrak engineer Brandon Bostian was acquitted on March 4 of all charges related to the May 12, 2015 derailment of Northeast Regional Train 188 in Philadelphia that killed eight and injured more than 200.
Snowplow operators: BNSF’s winter warriors
Although it’s already March, and signs of spring are showing in some parts of the country, the railroads serving the western United States and Canada will battle snow for at least the next month. Here is a profile of how BNSF tackles the job.
NTSB issues final report on 2020 Watco employee death
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its final report on the 2020 death of an employee of the Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad, a Watco railroad.
BNSF suffers derailment in Minnesota
On Thursday, Feb. 17, at around 9:00 a.m. a BNSF freight train derailed in the town of Frazee, Minn. which is approximately 170 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Watch: CN’s distributed braking cars help the railroad run trains more safely in the winter
Through the coldest winter conditions every year, the CN fleet of distributed braking cars, or Air Cars, keep goods moving safely and with reliable service.
CSX train derails north of Atlanta on Thursday morning
A CSX freight trained derailed the morning of Thursday, Feb. 17 in Kingston, Ga., just northwest of Atlanta.
NTSB releases initial report on Norfolk Southern contractor death in December 2021
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the death of a contractor to Norfolk Southern working with a track gang. The accident took place on December 8, 2021.
NYC subway ridership tops 3 million mark for first time since late 2021
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York City Subway ridership surpassed the 3 million mark for three consecutive days this week.
NTSB issues preliminary report on CSX freight train collision with SEPTA trolley in December
In December 2021, RT&S reported on a collision between a CSX freight train and a SEPTA trolley outside of Philadelphia. The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a preliminary report on its accident investigation.
Utah county says road projects are being held ‘hostage’ by Union Pacific; House bill addresses problem
The Utah state legislature will have the opportunity to negotiate through what has been called a hostage situation involving railroad crossings.
Watch: Sound Transit East Link train testing moves into live wire stages
Sound Transit is now testing trains on live wires for service on the East Lake extension.
MTA details signal upgrades, track maintenance work and service changes happening over President’s Day weekend
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced several projects taking place over President’s Day Weekend, between Friday, Feb. 18 and Tuesday, Feb. 22.
FRA slots track safety symposium
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is holding its first-ever Track & Roadway Workplace Safety Symposium on April 5-7 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in Missouri; attendance is free.
Chairman Connolly, Congresswoman Norton to hold hearing on WMATA’s operations and oversight
A Congressional hearing on WMATA issues will be held tomorrow morning.
Metro appoints Acting Chief of Police to top position
Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld today announced that Interim Chief Michael Anzallo will serve as Metro Transit Police Department’s new chief.
NCTD says STB mediator for Del Mar fence issue would be ‘a waste of the board’s resources’
The North County Transit District has set a date and will move forward with the installation of a safety fence along the Del Mar bluffs.
Norfolk Southern train derails in Bluefield, Va.
A Norfolk Southern intermodal train derailed in Bluefield, Va., Monday morning, and about 30 cars were involved.