NJDOT provides $4.3-million grant for rail bridge
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) awarded a $4.3-million grant to replace the rail bridge spanning the Overpeck Creek in Ridgefield Park.
Track Construction
Caltrain Board authorizes release of electrification design build RFP
The Caltrain Board of Directors authorized the release of the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) Design Build Request for Proposals (RFP), which is the next step in the design and construction of the project to electrify the Caltrain system. Electrification, a $1.5-billion project, is expected to be operational late in 2020.
BNSF plans $326 million investment in Minnesota network
BNSF‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Minnesota will be more than last year’s investment with an estimated $326 million for key rail capacity improvement projects and a robust maintenance program.
CTA approved for $120-million TIFIA loan for Blue Line improvements
Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) has secured a $120-million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for major improvements to the Blue Line, which will upgrade tracks and stations between the downtown Loop and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
BNSF plans $226 million capital program in Nebraska
BNSF ‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Nebraska will be an estimated $226 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.
Metro-North crews repair tracks, service returns to Harlem Line
Metro-North train service resumed on the Harlem Line February 5 for the first time since a collision February 3 between a passenger train and a vehicle near Valhalla Station in Valhalla.
Proposed FY16 budget includes six-year surface transportation solution; generous rail funds
President Obama unveiled his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2016, which includes a six-year $478-billion surface transportation reauthorization proposal that contains rail funding sources through the Generating Renewal, Opportu¬nity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America (GROW AMERICA) Act.
LIRR plans Mid-Suffolk Yard expansion
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) opened the Mid-Suffolk Train Yard Information Center at Ronkonkoma Station so customers and community residents can learn about the LIRR’s proposal for enlarging its train yard in Ronkonkoma.
Construction kicks off for New Orleans streetcar project
New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) officials, Mayor Mitchell Landrieu and city council members gathered Jan. 28 to kick off the construction on the 1.6-mile North Rampart Street/St. Claude Avenue Streetcar Project, which will connect the French Quarter and Treme to Canal Street and Loyola Avenue via the network of streetcar lines in the city.
NS plans $2.4 billion capital expenditure program in 2015
Norfolk Southern is targeting a $2.4-billion capital expenditure program in 2015 the railroad revealed during its fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 results presentation. This year’s program reflects a $277-million increase over the railroad’s 2014 program.
CFE takes on track project to improve freight congestion
The Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFE) is planning a track improvement project enabling 40-mph train speeds across the entire 315-mile rail line from Tolleston, Ind., to Crestline, Ohio.
ACE celebrates completion of Baldwin Avenue grade separation
Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority (ACE) completed major construction on a four-lane roadway underpass and a two-track railroad bridge carrying freight trains over Baldwin Avenue, north of Valley Boulevard in the City of El Monte, Calif.
TriMet operates MAX test train over Tilikum Crossing
For the first time, Oregon’s TriMet operated an electrified MAX test train on the northern segment of the new Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project alignment, including Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, on Wed., Jan. 21. A powered Portland Streetcar train also traveled across the bridge during the systems test.
Preferred proponent selected for GO Transit’s East Rail Maintenance Facility
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have selected Plenary Infrastructure ERMF as the preferred proponent to design, build, finance and maintain the East Rail Maintenance Facility (ERMF) project. The facility is being built in Whitby to support GO Transit‘s planned service expansion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Gov. Cuomo outlines goals for N.Y. infrastructure, wants train to LaGuardia
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo detailed his “2015 Opportunity Agenda” initiative, which includes a six-point plan outlining his vision to strengthen and modernize New York’s infrastructure, including an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport.
Sound Transit approved for $1.3 billion TIFIA loan for light-rail extension
Sound Transit has been approved for a $1.33-billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for construction of the East Link Light Rail Extension Project.
Metro-North says it will continue aggressive track maintenance plans through 2015
Metro-North is starting 2015 with rebuilding efforts and attention to major safety initiatives. The track improvements that defined 2014 are moving along and the railroad also expects continued progress as the last of the 405 M-8 cars are placed into service on the New Haven Line this spring.
Koppers purchases creosote business from KMG Chemicals; agrees to sell utility pole business
Koppers Inc. has acquired the creosote distribution business of KMG Chemicals, Inc., for $12.5 million plus the fair market value of inventory, which is estimated at $3 million. In addition to inventory, the acquisition includes the transfer of leased railcars and storage tanks from KMG to Koppers, as well as various customer agreements. Operating results from this business will be included in Koppers Carbon Materials and Chemicals business segment.
TSB points finger at wheel climb at switch point for 2013 Alberta derailment
In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that a Canadian Pacific train derailed when a wheel flange struck and climbed a switch point and then fell between the switch point and the rail.
NCDOT, CSX to begin A-line crossover project
CSX, in partnership with North Carolina Department of Transporation, will begin construction on a series of projects to build universal crossovers on the CSX A-line in three eastern North Carolina locations: South Weldon, Enfield and Rocky Mount. Construction at the three project locations will include grading, drainage improvements, track and signal construction.