MassDOT awards grants to enhance freight rail access
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has awarded seven grants totaling more than $2.2 million as part of the 2016 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP).
Safety
Legislation looks to address TSA holes in surface transportation security
A new piece of legislation, S. 3379, the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act, aims to shore up holes found in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) approach to transportation safety.
LACMTA to begin environmental process for West Santa Ana Branch line
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) board has approved contracts to move forward with environmental work and community outreach for its West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor (WSABTC) project.
MBTA takes on problematic trees
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has selected Northern Tree Service, Inc. (NTS) to remove several trees adjacent to its Green Line that transit officials say pose risks due to dead and decaying branches.
Two LIRR stations to undergo improvements
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is conducting major renovations to two of its central stations.
BART’s plan to repair tunnels involves bentonite and a ballot measure
“Save the rainforest” is not a mantra embraced by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) maintenance crews. Their “rainforest” is a nickname bestowed on the miles of underground track in downtown San Francisco that have developed problematic water intrusion issues following more than 40 years of use.
TranSystems partners on new construction technology, adds Rock as SE regional VP
TranSystems has announced a new partnership with Seattle-based software company Pavia Systems to use HeadLight, a project inspection system that will be available to regional construction projects nationwide.
Amtrak names program management support team for Gateway Program
Amtrak has chosen Hill International and CH2M to provide program management support services for its Gateway Program in the Northeast Corridor.
ACE Construction Authority breaks ground on Fullerton grade separation
The Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) Construction Authority broke ground on its 16th grade separation project Sept. 16.
North Carolina Railroad donates $50,000 to AREMA Educational Foundation
One engineering student will receive a $1,000 scholarship each year from the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Educational Foundation indefinitely following the foundation’s receipt of a $50,000 contribution from the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR).
New York makes $27.9 million available for rail and port projects
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sept. 14 that $27.9 million in state funding is now available to go toward initiatives to maintain and improve rail and port services in major trade and passenger travel corridors.
Wisconsin awards $37 million to freight rail projects
Six Wisconsin freight rail projects were awarded $37 million in grants and loans from the state’s Freight Railroad Assistance Program.
Herzog Technologies taps Red Hat for cloud-based PTC system
Herzog Technologies has launched a cloud-based positive train control (PTC) solution using the technologies of Red Hat, Inc., a leading global provider of open source solutions.
FRA awards $25 million in safety grants
Safety at crossings, stations and tracks in 14 states and the District of Columbia will be enhanced thanks to $25 million in grants awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
MBTA resumes winter resiliency efforts
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) had extra help kicking off its second phase of winter resiliency work during the weekend of Sept. 10-11.
ATN boosts speed on Alabama line
Alabama & Tennessee River Railway, LLC (ATN) announced this week it raised the speed limit along a portion of the line effective immediately.
Public transit deemed safest way to commute
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a study this week that reveals a 90 percent drop in safety risks for those who commute using public transportation rather than driving.
ConnDOT prefers long span vertical lift bridge for Walk Bridge replacement
The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) preferred alternative to replace the Walk Bridge in Norwalk, Conn., is a Long Span Vertical Lift bridge.
California celebrates 7th annual September Rail Safety Month
California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) is offering free safety presentations to motorists and pedestrians statewide in honor of the seventh annual Rail Safety Month.
TriMet completes Rose Quarter MAX improvements
TriMet resumed regular service along MAX light-rail lines Sept. 4 in Portland, Ore., following improvements that were made during the past two weeks.