REES 2018: Stoking rail engineering interest
The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) is the railway industry’s professional organization that, among its other goals, promotes railway engineering education.
Safety
Tennison named UP Chief Strategy Officer
Union Pacific on July 26 appointed 26-year veteran Lynden Tennison Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, effective Aug. 1. Tennison has been Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer since February
FTA certifies SSO programs in four states
Four states have obtained federal certification of their rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs ahead of an important safety deadline, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has
TSB points to failed thermite weld as cause of CP Manitoba derailment
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada has determined that a derailment last year near Dominion City, Manitoba, was caused by a thermite weld failure.
OLI, FRA award safety grants in 16 states
Operation Lifesaver, Inc., organizations in 16 states have been awarded grants that will be used to fund a variety of crossing safety and trespass prevention education efforts.
Dewberry awarded two contracts with NJ Transit
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) has awarded Dewberry two contracts for upcoming work.
CTA targets 100% system accessibility in next 20 years
Dorval R. Carter, Jr., president of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities recently announced a plan to make the CTA 100
OSHA proposed rule to clarify, exempt rail work equipment standards
A proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would exempt many types of rail equipment from the final Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule, which was published in 2010.
Grade separation is largest transportation project in Moorhead, MN history
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held July 16 for a $72.9 million grade separation project in Moorhead, Minn. It is the largest transportation project in the city’s history.
FTA issues two safety rules
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued two final rules it says will strengthen the safety of public transportation systems.
Alstom shareholders approve Siemens Mobility merger
Alstom’s shareholders approved a proposal to merge the company with Siemens Mobility business at a July 17 meeting in Paris.
Canada awards clean air research grants
Transport Canada has awarded 10 projects grants to support academic research aimed at reducing air emissions from the rail sector.
Walsh to rebuild Merchants Bridge for TRRA
The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) has selected Walsh Construction to rebuild the Merchants Bridge.
MTA replaces Harold Interlocking signal system
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has completed work to upgrade the signal system in Harold Interlocking in Sunnyside, Queens, which the company said will benefit Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) customers.
City submits grant on behalf of Panhandle Northern Railroad
The city of Borger, Texas, has submitted a federal grant for the 2018 Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.
FRA promotes safety with state grants
The federal government in 2018 is again offering states a funding resource to help promote rail safety.
Chem shippers attain UP’s safety ‘Pinnacle’
Union Pacific recognized 54 companies with its Pinnacle Award for their commitment to safely transport chemical products.
MassDOT awards $1.8 million to expand industrial rail, freight initiatives
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced July 9 five grants totaling more than $1.8 million as part of the Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP).
PTSI debuts updated Route Learning System™
New from PTSI Transportation is an upgraded digital version of its multi-media Route Learning System™, described as “an enhanced physical characteristics training tool.”
Rail’s role in trade, border security on display during tour with Rep. Hurd
Union Pacific’s Clarks Park Yard provided a fitting setting to highlight the importance of border security and international trade to the rail industry during a July 5 tour for Rep. Will Hurd