BART interns focus on safety, reliability
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BART) is utilizing interns this summer to create useful technology.
Safety
LIRR to perform switch replacement as part of double track project
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is conducting high-tech rail inspections, switch replacement and other track work between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 19.
Gannett Fleming expands Security and Safety Practice
Gannett Fleming, Inc., is expanding its Security and Safety Practice by four; joining the team is James “Jim” E. Smith, Gene Perry, Jacy C. Harper and Brandon S. Huckeba.
Presidential Executive Order to streamline permitting process
A newly signed presidential Executive Order aims to reduce the time it takes projects to move through the federal permitting and review processes.
Union Pacific ramps up rail safety with video campaign
Union Pacific is encouraging safety at railroad tracks with its interactive public safety campaign. The Class 1 released the campaign on Facebook, YouTube, Hulu and other online news sites so it could be easily shared.
Al-Qaeda calls for U.S. rail and transit attacks
The latest issue of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s (AQAP) magazine, Inspire, calls for attacks on U.S. railways and transit systems and goes as far as including many steps to help carry out acts of terror.
AAR, GoRail recognize Rep. DeFazio with Railroad Achievement Award
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) was honored Aug. 14 with the Railroad Achievement Award by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and GoRail.
ENSCO adds Chrismer to Applied Technology and Engineering Division
Steven Chrismer, Ph.D., is joining the Applied Technology and Engineering Division at ENSCO, Inc.
Sumwalt sworn in as 14th NTSB chairman
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) swore in its 14th chairman Robert L. Sumwalt III on August 10.
CTDOT selects Cianbro-Middlesex JV for two Walk Bridge Program projects
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has selected Cianbro-Middlesex Joint Venture for the CP243 Interlocking and Danbury Branch Dockyard projects in Norwalk.
SLSI completes safety culture assessment
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) will develop training and education efforts to address and enhance railroad safety culture following the completion of a systematic review of Safety Culture Assessments.
New York state orders Con Edison to guarantee subway power reliability
Due to recent repeated delays and power flow failures throughout the entire Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway system, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has directed Con Edison to take significant and immediate actions to improve the subway’s power reliability.
In memoriam: Stephen Tobias, 72
Stephen C. Tobias, former Norfolk Southern vice chairman and chief operating officer and former member of the Canadian Pacific Board of Directors, died Aug. 7.
Sen. Schumer demands FRA, FMCSA reverse sleep apnea rule withdrawal
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is asking the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to reverse the withdrawal of pending regulation that would require sleep apnea testing of workers in safety critical roles.
FRA, FMCSA withdraw potential rule affecting sleep apnea mitigation
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have withdrawn a proposed rule that would have regulated actions addressing sleep apnea for workers in safety sensitive positions.
Amtrak, MBTA enter new service agreement for Attleboro Line
Amtrak will continue to provide maintenance-of-way and dispatching services to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Attleboro Line through 2021.
FASTLANE small project grants: More than $56M to go to rail
Rail specific and rail related projects across six states have been selected to receive grants as part of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) program.
MBTA keeps infrastructure improvements on track
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is using its increase in capital spending on system-wide upgrades and repairs. Following a 40-percent increase from last year, MBTA says it’s kicking its infrastructure improvements into high gear.
Caltrain approves $32.1 million contract award to Proven Management
Caltrain awarded a $32.1-million contract to Proven Management Inc. for the South San Francisco Station Improvement Project.
Mississippi, Maine rail projects awarded FASTLANE grants
More than $15 million in the latest round of Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants will benefit rail projects in Mississippi and Maine.