Winnipeg grade separation breaks ground
Local and federal Canadian officials gathered May 5 to break ground on a grade separation project in Winnipeg, MB.
Safety
ConnDOT taps consulting team to plan for rail system’s future
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has selected its consulting team as it begins to plan for the future of the New Haven Line, as well as the state’s rail system.
NEC Commission identifies needs of $38 billion
The Northeast Corridor Commission on May 3 submitted to Congress two reports detailing short-and-long-term capital investment needs totaling some $38 billion for the 457-mile electrified rail line linking Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
FRA extends Part 243 implementation dates by full year
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has extended the implementation dates of Part 243 Minimum Training Standards by one year according to a notice in the May 3 edition of the Federal Register.
Funding for Caltrain, OC Streetcar preserved in budget deal
A federal budget deal reached by Congress on April 30 includes approximately $150 million for two transit projects in California.
MTA awards Tutor Perini $291.5-million contract for the Mid-Day Storage Yard project
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) awarded Tutor Perini a $291.5-million contract for the Mid-Day Storage Yard portion of the East Side Access Project.
NYCT performs critical Canarsie Tunnel repairs before planned 2019 closure
Prepatory work on New York City Transit’s (NYCT) L Line Canarsie Tunnel will begin this month to ensure the tunnel remains useable until larger repairs can be made.
Metro-North Railroad invests $9.5 million in Prospect Hill Road Bridge rebuild
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad is rebuilding the Prospect Hill Road Bridge in Southeast through a $9.5 million investment made possible by the MTA’s 2015-2019 Capital Program.
Jeff Goodling, Samrithy Thlang join WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has added Jeff Goodling as a senior rail project manager for the West region. Samrithy Thlang has also joined the company as a senior managing overhead contact system engineer.
Trains rolling on new triple track in Longview, Wash.
A new third track between Kelso and Longview Junction, Wash., is operational and provides expanded capacity for both passenger and freight trains.
PANYNJ authorizes planning funds for PATH extension
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners authorized $57 million in planning funds for the first phase of the PATH system extension to Newark Liberty International Airport.
Sound Transit announces new timeline for ST2 and ST3 plans
Sound Transit unveiled plans to kick off what the company calls “one of the most ambitious public transit capital investment programs in the nation’s history.”
Amtrak prioritizes Penn Station improvement initiatives
Amtrak President and CEO Wick Moorman detailed several initiatives aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and operations at New York Penn Station.
MTA Board votes to accept environmental study for LIRR expansion
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board voted to accept the findings of the year-long environmental study for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) expansion project, one of New York’s most significant efforts to increase capacity of the commuter railroad since it was first built in the mid-19th century.
CN names Winnipeg training center after Mongeau
Canadian National has named its national employee training center in Winnipeg after former President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau.
MBTA plan will speed system upgrades
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) has a new master plan that aims to accelerate its timeframe to bring its equipment, infrastructure and operations into a State of Good Repair from 15 years from the previously projected 25 years.
CTA announces plans to revitalize Cottage Grove Green Line station
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced conceptual plans to revitalize and renovate the CTA’s Cottage Grove Green Line station and the surrounding area.
Union Pacific to invest $57 million in Nebraska rail infrastructure
Union Pacific (UP) plans to invest approximately $57 million in Nebraska infrastructure in 2017. The investment is part of UP’s $3.1-billion capital plan.
Gibson joins WSP | PB
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has named Thomas Gibson Vice President and Western Regional Manager of its Transit and Rail practice, based in Sacramento. Gibson is responsible for technical and operational management, project delivery, staff acquisition and business growth.
BART welcomes first Latino Chief of Police Carlos Rojas
Carlos Rojas has been named chief of police for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).