VRE completes Spotsylvania third track project
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) service began May 17 along a new third track built on CSX’s right-of-way from the VRE Crossroads Yard to Hamilton.
Safety
Metra resumes BNSF extension plans; seeks $3M for PTC
Chicago’s Metra is resuming work on engineering and environmental studies to extend the BNSF Line past Aurora in Kendall County, after local officials said they strongly supported the planning work despite the challenges of securing funding to build and operate the extension.
NTSB shines spotlight on PTC following Amtrak 188 meeting
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) deemed human error as the probable cause for the May 2015 Amtrak accident in Philadelphia, but said better windows would have lessened the severity of injuries of the crash and Positive Train Control (PTC) would have prevented it.
FTA safety advisory issued to collect data on third-rail traction power systems
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Safety Advisory to request information from State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) regarding the condition and safety performance of third-rail traction power electrification (TPE) systems at the Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation Systems (RFGPTS) in their jurisdictions.
Protran Technology names deputy director – field engineering and training
Protran Technology, a division of Harsco Rail, has hired Clay Bunting as deputy director, where he will further develop its growing range of safety technology for track workers and track inspection technology.
NTSB: Loss of situational awareness caused Amtrak 188 derailment
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) voted 3-1 to determine the probable cause of the May 12, 2015 Amtrak 188 derailment in Philadelphia to be the locomotive engineer’s loss of situational awareness.
Port of Tucson celebrates rail improvements
The Federal Railroad Administration, Pima County Arizona, the Port of Tucson and Union Pacific joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12, celebrating the expansion of the port’s rail infrastructure.
Metro-North to design, purchase track geometry vehicle
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad said it will enter into a contract with Ensco Inc. to design, build and deliver a track inspection.
Pennsylvania commission approves funds for 31 rail projects
The Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission approved $36 million for 31 rail projects across 34 counties.
Amtrak 188 anniversary: FRA calls for safety measures; NTSB sets meeting date for probable cause
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released the following statement from Administrator Sarah Feinberg on the one-year anniversary of the Amtrak 188 derailment. The passenger train derailed during the evening of May 12, 2015. Eight people died and more than 200 were injured.
FTA to WMATA: Here are the three priority locations for improvements
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sent a letter to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) calling for immediate repairs to three locations FTA deemed high risks for smoke and fire incidents on the Metrorail system.
Union Pacific plans to invest $78.6M into its home state
Union Pacific will spend $78.6 million improving its infrastructure in Nebraska this year. The planned spend is on top of the $200 million the railroad has invested in its infrastructure in the state between 2011 and 2015.
Railroad Construction company celebrates 90 years
Railroad Construction Company has grown significantly in its 90 years. The company still embraces the values established at conception and remains a strong, family-owned business.
Dennis Riggs: 2015 NRC Field Employee of the year
Dennis Riggs, general superintendent for Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey, is recognized by colleagues and clients as a trusted source of construction solutions.
NRC Project of the Year: Port of Long Beach, Pier E
Herzog Contracting Corp. and Reyes Construction worked to safely build a 345-acre intermodal yard that will help the Port of Long Beach increase capacity and cut air pollution.
Simplified Green Line Extension plan approved by MassDOT, MBTA FMCB
The planned Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX) has been approved to proceed in a simplified version following months of project re-evaluation.
Union Pacific plans $78M in work for Illinois infrastructure
Union Pacific has slated $78.8 million of its 2016 capital program to improve its Illinois rail network.
Environmental review sprouts for northern section of CAHSR project
Both the California High-Speed Rail Authority and its federal partner, the Federal Railroad Administration, initiated the environmental review process for the project’s northern section: the 51-mile line between San Francisco and San Jose.
RailWorks hosts elected officials for tour of Minnesota facility
On May 6, Minnesota State Representative Jon Koznick and Lynda Boudreau, staff for U.S. Representative John Kline, joined GoRail and National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) shared member company – RailWorks Corporation – for a tour of its facility in Lakeville, Minn.
New WMATA safety plan immediately followed by FTA safety directive
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued an urgent safety directive to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) just one day after the agency released a plan aimed at improving safety and maintenance on its rail system.