WMATA, Regulator Clash Over Safety, Plan to Use Suspended Rail Cars

New conflicts between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and its regulator have called into question the effectiveness of an oversight arrangement established by Congress six years ago to make service safer, lawmakers say.

Jim Blaze photo

Amtrak Petitions FRA to Retire Maryland Fixed Wayside Signals

Amtrak is seeking Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval to retire fixed wayside signals as automatic block points on the Mid-Atlantic Division’s Philadelphia-to-Washington, line (a Northeast Corridor branch), according to a notice in the Federal Register’s Jan. 17 edition.

Ottawa Ice Storm Immobilizes OC Transpo Service

After weekend efforts to restore full service along Ottawa’s light rail system, OC Transpo, in time for Monday’s return to work and school failed, officials said the system will not be fully operational until at least Jan. 10.

TSB Canada Releases Report on 2021 CN Derailment near Moncton, New Brunswick

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has released its investigation report on the August 2021 freight train derailment near Moncton, New Brunswick.

MTA to Add Elevators at Queensboro Plaza, Improve Accessibility 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin construction to install elevators at the Queensboro Plaza station in early February, the agency announced Jan. 3.

ICC Approves Highway/Rail Grade Crossing Projects

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) last month reported signing off on stipulated agreements to improve safety at highway/rail grade crossings in Fayette, Pike, Stephenson and McLean counties.

Authorities Report NS Train Derailment, Truck Collision – UPDATED

Chattanooga-area police and fire officials alerted the public of a Norfolk Southern train collision and derailment that occurred during the afternoon of Dec. 20, leaving two NS crew members with minor injuries.

MTA Details Improvement Projects Along the 7 Line

Last week, the Metropolitan Transit Authority issued a press release that describes a series of improvements made on the 7 Line. The entire press release comprises the remainder of this article.

Orange County Says Trains May be Back in February

There’s a small bright spot in the ongoing saga of the erosion of the southern California coast, and the impact on rail lines and rail service.

Port Authority Transit Corporation

PATCO Performs Track Repair Amid Winter Conditions

Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) crews made a priority track repair in Center City on Dec. 13. The repair took place after a recent scan either did not detect damage on the rails

Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway is one of 12 North Carolina short lines to receive grant funding under the state’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program. (Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway Photograph)

NCDOT Awards $12MM for Small-Road Infrastructure Improvements

Twelve short lines will share approximately $12 million in infrastructure-improvement grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Amtrak Looks to Remove Pennsylvania ‘Distant Signals’

With Positive Train Control (PTC) operational, Amtrak is seeking Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval to remove automatic wayside signals serving as distant signals to existing interlockings on the Mid-Atlantic Division’s Philadelphia-to-Harrisburg, Pa.

Amtrak stepping up efforts for B&P Tunnel Replacement

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is pursuing a Delivery Partner model as part of its plans to replace the B&P Tunnel.

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Photograph Courtesy of Clark County, Wash., Public Works

For Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, a $4.7MM Upgrade

The first phase of a $4.7 million rehabilitation project will start this fall on the 33-mile Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Washington state.

Report: ‘Critical Structural Finding’ Causes MBTA to Shut Down JFK/UMass Station Entrance

According to a Boston Herald report, a “critical structural issue that was threatening public safety” was discovered this past weekend during an inspection at the entrance to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) JFK/UMass Station from Columbia Road to the pedestrian concourse leading to the station headhouse.

RTD Resumes Full Service on R Line

Following a derailment that occurred in Aurora on Sept. 21 that impacted the R Line, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) has restored full service to the affected four-mile stretch of the corridor from Aurora Metro Center to the 13th Avenue Station with additional safety measures in place.

“We must take immediate action to protect our planet from climate change,” Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said on Nov. 24. “Our government will continue to invest in measures that address the impacts of climate change. This is why we are providing funding under the Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative: to address severe weather impacts on railway operations.”

Transport Canada to Address Climate Change Impacts on Rail

Transport Canada has launched its first climate change-focused call for proposals to help ensure “railway infrastructure is resilient to extreme weather events.”

Hurricane Nicole Hammers More of Florida

Although Hurricane Nicole was not as nasty as Hurricane Ian, it left a tremendous amount of destruction and suffering in Florida. CNN reported that at least five people were killed and scores of coastal homes were washed away by the storm.

Silver Line Extension Gets Green Light from WMSC

The Washington Metro Safety Commission concurs – Silver Line Extension ready.

Here We Go Again – Tropical Storm Nicole Takes Aim at Florida

Just a few weeks after Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc through much of Florida, particularly in the Fort Myers area, forecasters are keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Nicole, which appears to be headed to some of the same areas hit by Ian.

LOAD MORE