Axion receives order from LIRR, ties undergo durability test
Axion International Holdings, Inc., recently worked with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and CTL Group to conduct independent, third party durability tests.
Track Construction
Texas State Railroad tests new connection track
On Jan. 8, the Texas State Railroad (TSRR) tested a new section of track that was completed in November.
Amtrak plans significant infrastructure projects for 2013
Amtrak has set out to work on a long list of infrastructure projects during 2013.
NYCT FASTRACK comes to the Grand Concourse
Metropolitan Transit Authority New York City is bringing FASTRACK to line segments outside of the Central Business District and Downtown Brooklyn.
RTA: 45G tax credit raises 2013 tie forecast
The 45G infrastructure tax credit for shortline railroads has been authorized retroactively for 2012 and extended for 2013. The Railway Tie Association (RTA) responded to this news, saying that for RTA members, this is a game changing piece of legislation for hardwood and softwood tie demand for 2013.
R & R Contracting acquires Oberkramer Contracting
RR Mergers & Acquisitions, a specialist in the sale of rail service and rail supplier companies in North America, said R & R Contracting has acquired Oberkramer Contracting.
Shortline tax credit extended as part of fiscal cliff deal
The shortline industry began the New Year with good news: Extension of the railroad track maintenance credit.
FRA grants funds for Pennsylvania rail bridge
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded the county of Lycoming, Pa., a $2.4-million Rail Line Relocation grant to build a new bridge spanning the Loyalsock Creek in Loyalsock Township and Montoursville Borough.
KCS’ Starling outlines infrastructure plans in state of the railroad
David L. Starling, Kansas City Southern’s president and CEO, outlined the state of the railroad in a letter dated Dec. 21 and posted to the KCS website. Starling says the railroad’s 125th anniversary year has been a success; something he aims to continue into 2013.
Ottawa approves Confederation Line, construction to begin in spring 2013
In Ottawa, ON, Canada, the Confederation light-rail transit line was approved by the city council in a unanimous vote.
Metro Gold Line Bridge completed
Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority completed the Gold Line Bridge, the 584-linear foot sculpture that will serve as the Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley.
Historic Portageville Bridge receives DEIS, plans public hearing
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) says the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a project to replace the Portageville Bridge carrying the Norfolk Southern railroad over the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park is available for public review. The bridge runs between Portage in Wyoming County and Genesee Falls in Livingston County.
Alaska Railroad crossing and bridge projects advance
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) of the North Pole Road/Rail Crossing Reduction project in Alaska.
UIC Innovation and Railway Research Awards recognizes TTCI’s freight research
The inaugural International Union of Railways (UIC) Innovation and Railway Research Awards were held in Paris, France, on Dec. 11, where Transportation Technology Center, Inc., (TTCI) was recognized for its freight research at its Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST).
L.B. Foster, Union Pacific enter agreement for concrete crossties
L.B. Foster Company has agreed on a multi-year contract extension with Union Pacific for the supply of prestressed concrete railroad ties from its Tucson, Ariz., facility. The previous supply contract was set to expire on December 31, 2012.
Progress Rail mobile welding assets from RibbonWeld LLC
Progress Rail Services Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., has purchased mobile welding assets from RibbonWeld LLC, a rail welding company based in Springfield, Mo.
IntegriCo composite ties installed in Mexico
IntegriCo Composites, Inc., manufacturer of recycled plastic railroad ties, recently had a railroad company in Mexico install its ties in track.
GO Transit completes switch replacement program
GO Transit in Toronto, ON, Canada, replaced more than 100 switches throughout the Union Station Rail Corridor to move trains more quickly and efficiently in and out of Union Station.
VIA Rail readies improvements to locomotives, frequencies and infrastructure
VIA Rail Canada has completed a number of projects, including additional frequencies and the introduction of a new service between Ottawa, ON, and Quebec City, QB.
DART opens Blue and Orange rail extensions
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Dallas, Texas, opened two rail segments on Dec. 3, extending the Blue Line to Rowlett and the Orange Line farther into Irving and closer to DFW International Airport.