Union Pacific targets $24 million Colorado investment
Union Pacific (UP) will invest $24.2 million into its Colorado network as part of the railroad’s 2018 capital program.
Safety
D.C. staff shuffle: FRA, House T&I Committee and NTSB
People with expertise in transportation related roles have been shifting agencies and positions this week with major job changes occurring among the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and a nomination to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Union Pacific outlines $22.3 million Idaho investment plan for 2018
Union Pacific will invest $22.3 million into its Idaho network as part of the state’s capital program for the year.
NTSB cites fatigue in Roswell, N.M., accident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) named fatigue as the probable cause of a 2015 accident between two Southwestern Railroad trains in Roswell, N.M., that left one engineer dead and a conductor seriously injured.
GAO recommends FTA improve guidance to states
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report saying the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) can strengthen its safety oversight by improving the guidance provided to states.
Rail data security bills head to U.S. Senate
Two rail data and information security bills passed the U.S. House of Representatives on April 10, 2018. The two pieces of legislation, STB Information and Security Act (H.R. 4921) and The FRA Safety Data Improvement Act (H.R. 4925), now move to the Senate.
Louisville & Indiana Railroad recognized with three ASLRRA honors
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) annual meeting April 9-10 gave the Louisville & Indiana Railroad reason to celebrate, as the railroad was honored with three awards.
Amtrak outlines summer renewal work
Amtrak will continue its Infrastructure Renewal program at New York Penn Station this summer, performing reconstruction work on The Empire Tunnel and the Spuyten Duyvil Bridge, as well as carrying out renewal work on Track 19.
KCS’s Ottensmeyer to STB: ‘Most of the network operating normally’
Kansas City Southern Railway Co. on March 30 responded to the Surface Transportation Board’s March 16 blanket letter requesting information on Class 1 railroad 2018 service outlooks.
Virginia, Colorado receive FTA SSO certification
Virginia and Colorado have obtained Federal Transit Administration certification of their rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs, well in advance of the 2019 deadline.
Union Pacific to invest $38 million into New Mexico network this year
Union Pacific (UP) detailed plans to invest $38 million during 2018 into its New Mexico network. The railroad says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
Norfolk Southern safety train to visit 23 cities in 15 states
Norfolk Southern (NS) has announced its safety train will visit 23 cities throughout 2018 as part of its Operation Awareness & Response program.
LIRR plans tie replacement, PTC and signal testing in early April
The next several weekends ahead will entail work for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crews on a series of projects to test East Side access signals and positive train control (PTC), in addition to tie replacement work.
Metra plans to perform 54 safety blitzes in 2018
Metra will conduct 54 Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes in 2018 at 54 train stations across its service six-county region around Chicago. Metra says the blitzes are part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks.
INDOT launches $125 million Local Trax rail safety initiative
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) shared details of its new “Local Trax” matching grant program, which will make at least $125 million available for high-priority railroad safety projects on local roads statewide.
MBTA awards Wellington Yard, Orange Line signal system contract
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) has voted to offer a $102.7 million contract to Barletta Heavy Division for work to rebuild its Wellington Rail Yard and upgrade its signal systems.
Union Pacific’s Nevada network to see $56.2 million investment
Union Pacific (UP) has announced that it will spend about $56.2 million on its Nevada network in 2018 to enhance its safety, efficiency and customer service offerings.
Union Pacific invests $59.3M in Utah network
Union Pacific (UP) has announced plans to spend an estimated $59.3 million on its Utah network in 2018 to improve safety, efficiency and customer service.
BNSF plans $230 million capital program for California
BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced a 2018 capital expenditure program for California valued at about $230 million.
Pennsylvania approves $32 million in funding for rail
The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission has approved $32 million in grants to 27 rail freight improvement projects that will help sustain more than 400 jobs across Pennsylvania.