Track Construction
Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont’s rail lines.
WSDOT opens availability for loans, grants for freight rail improvement projects
Applications are now being accepted for Washington state-funded grants and loans for projects that improve freight rail services. Funds will be available in July 2017.
New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track
New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.
Across the US communities seek $9.3 billion in TIGER funding
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded.
President of LTK Engineering Services retires, replacement appointed
LTK Engineering Services has promoted Dominic DiBrito to president, replacing George Dorshimer, who will be retiring, effective January 1, 2017.
Union Pacific Nevada program includes rail, tie replacements
Union Pacific plans to spend $33.7 million on improvements to its Nevada infrastructure in 2016. This year’s investment is on top of the $180 million UP spent in the state from 2011-2015.
Trackwork complete for Toronto-York Spadina extension
Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the site of the future Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station at Highway 7 in York Region on June 6 to mark the completion of track work on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE).
Rep. Fitzpatrick joins TRAC Lubricants and Coatings and the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad for demonstration, discussion
On June 6, 2016, Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8) joined representatives from TRAC Lubricants and Coatings (TLC) and the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad for a product demonstration and rail industry discussion.
Two design-build contracts awarded for LIRR Double Track project
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track project is one step closer to breaking ground after two design-build contracts were awarded for work that will significantly advance the project.
Purple Line Extension station construction set to begin on LACMTA
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will begin building the Wilshire/La Brea underground station for the Purple Line Extension Project June 10.
Sound Transit approves faster ST3 light-rail extensions
The Sound Transit Board unanimously approved changes to the Sound Transit 3 plan that will speed up Sound Transit 3 light-rail extensions by two to five years and add projects in Renton, Kirkland and North Seattle.
FASTRACK comes to the G Line in Brooklyn
For four consecutive weeknights from June 6, to June 10 and for four weeknights from June 13 to June 17, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit’s (NYCT) FASTRACK program will come the G line in Brooklyn between Bedford-Nostrand Avs and Church Av.
Sound Transit breaks ground on Tacoma bridge replacement
Sound Transit broke ground on its Tacoma Trestle Track & Signal Project, which will replace an aging single-track timber railroad trestle with a concrete, double-track bridge.
Reading & Northern plans bridge replacement
The construction of a modern railway bridge across the Lehigh River to create a connection between two divisions of Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad is closer to fruition as a second $5 million grant has been awarded by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission.
RCE hosts Rep Bustos for tour, rail discussion
On May 31, 2016, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, joined representatives from Rail Construction Equipment (RCE) to tour the manufacturing facility, learn about various rail construction products and discuss public policy priorities for the business and rail communities in northwest Illinois.
Canadian environmental agency seeks input on potential impacts of rail yard
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is seeking comments regarding the proposed North American Polypropylene Rail Yard Project, located in Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada.
Union Pacific targets $70.4 million of work in Idaho, Oregon
Union Pacific plans to invest $70.4 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Idaho and Oregon, which the railroad says will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
Union Pacific details 37.5 million Iowa state investment plan
Union Pacific plans to invest $37.5 million in 2016 to improve its infrastructure in Iowa, which the railroad says will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
Metro-North, ConnDOT sign Walk Bridge “Partnering Letter”
Metro-North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) have signed a “partnering letter” agreeing to a strong, collaborative effort as plans are finalized to replace the Walk railroad bridge – the 120-year-old bridge over the Norwalk River that swings open and closed to accommodate marine traffic below.