Was it a washout? NTSB releases prelim CSX derailment report
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a preliminary report on the May 19, 2018, derailment of a CSX train near Alexandria, Va.
Safety
LIRR partners with Waze for crossing safety initiative
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Waze, a crowd-sourced traffic and GPS navigation software, are collaborating in an effort to improve safety for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) passengers.
CN plans yard expansion, maintenance in Manitoba during 2018
Canadian National (CN) plans to invest approximately CA$130 million (US$100 million) in Manitoba, Canada, this year.
FRA to hold three symposia to discuss PTC
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will hold three symposia in Washington, D.C., throughout the summer to answer questions and address best practices surrounding the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).
Illinois awards $241M to freight projects
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) awarded $241 million to 23 state freight projects on June 5.
INFRA grants: $148M to CREATE and Ohio rail projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recommended 26 projects to be awarded a total of $1.54 billion in federal funds as part of the FY18 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. USDOT had up to $1.56 billion available for grants.
CN plans to invest CA$340M in B.C. infrastructure
Canadian National (CN) has announced plans to invest about CA$340 million (US$263 million) across British Columbia this year to grow and strengthen the railroad’s network in the province.
CTDOT prepares for rail project on Ann Street Bridge
A bridge project that will support work performed as part of the Walk Bridge Program in Connecticut will begin in mid-June.
NCDOT stages crossing accident to educate drivers on risks
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division’s BeRailSafe program, in partnership with N.C. Operation Lifesaver, conducted a staged train crash May 30 in Star, N.C.
CSX names Schwichtenberg chief safety officer
James Schwichtenberg has joined CSX as vice president and chief safety officer, effective immediately.
APTA reports commuter rail’s steady progress on PTC
An analysis released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has concluded that the nation’s commuter rail industry continued to make progress in its positive train control (PTC) implementation efforts during the first quarter of 2018.
Union Pacific releases 2017 sustainability report
Union Pacific (UP) has released its 2017 Building America Report, the railroad’s ninth installment of its yearly sustainability report.
CSX to undertake safety assessment
CSX Corporation (CSX) has tapped DEKRA, Inc., to complete a safety assessment as part of the Class 1’s efforts to boost safety for employees, customers and the communities in which it operates.
RAC reiterates need for dedicated shortline railroad capital funding
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is calling on the government of Canada and its provinces to support programs that provide shortline railroads with dedicated funding for infrastructure investment.
DHS issues NOFO for security grants
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for eight DHS preparedness grant programs, totaling $1.6 billion.
FRA plans June 4 webinar to discuss PTC grants
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will host a webinar on June 4 aimed at helping those seeking funding for the recently announced positive train control (PTC) grants.
CTA begins two Blue Line station projects
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced May 22 the launch of the next two major Blue Line station improvement projects, as part of the $492 million Your New Blue program.
LIRR moves Forward with infrastructure hardening, operational efficiency plan
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has announced LIRR Forward, a new initiative through which the railroad intends to revamp its operations and efficiency.
CTA’s ride-hailing fee to bolster Safe and Secure Program
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced that the agency will add more than 600 new high-definition (HD) security cameras to its rail system as part of its Safe and Secure program.
Utility relocation small, but critical step for Gateway Program
The Gateway Program Development Corporation (GDC) is lauding a financial agreement that will allow for utilities to be relocated from the path of Section 3 of the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing project.