October editorial: It’s all money and rainbows

They are harvesting rainbows, aren’t they?

Brightline to begin track speed testing on Orlando line later this month

After many months of laying track and building grade crossings, Brightline will begin testing trains running up to 110 m.p.h. on sections of the newly constructed line.

BNSF to build new rail complex in Barstow

The Santa Fe Railway’s historic Barstow Yard in southern California has long been a vital part of the rail network in the southwestern U.S. Now, a new BNSF facility will be even larger – much larger.

TIFIA 49 increases loan borrowing power significantly for light rail, other projects

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the U.S. DOT’s Build America Bureau will offer low-cost and flexible financing for transit and Transit-oriented Development (TOD) projects at the maximum level authorized under law.

Hurricane Ian shuts down short line railroad; service may not restart until 2023

It may not be until next year when the Seminole Gulf Railway sees carloads moving again on track.

The October issue of RT&S is now online

The October issue of RT&S features stories on the L.A. Purple Line Extension project and how canines are used to clear sensitive areas surrounding rail projects.

LIRR Third Track project finishes $100 million under budget

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated completion of the Long Island Rail Road’s historic Third Track project on time and under budget on Oct. 3.

Sound Transit eliminates two routes for Everett Link Extension

The choices for a proposed Sound Transit light rail line are being reduced.

GoTriangle light rail project to be broken down into phases making it more susceptible to inflation

Instead of biting off more than they can chew, officials have decided to cut a light rail line into smaller pieces.

MBTA readies public for yard expansion project

As part of the MBTA’s Capital Programs, the Capital Transformation team will hold a virtual pre-construction public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. to discuss work to be completed at Codman Yard.

HDR will do final track design, engineering services on CREATE project

The CREATE partners are pleased to announce Union Pacific has selected HDR to provide final track design and engineering services for the Union Pacific-led portion of the 80th Street Junction Replacements (EW2) project, a major component of CREATE’s 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project.

Caltrain and Palo Alto differ on how to address San Francisquito Bridge

Caltrain has determined that the San Francisquito Bridge, built in 1902 and which supports trains moving between Menlo Park and Palo Alto, is nearing the end of its service life and needs to be replaced.

S.D. short line rail projects receive federal funding

On Dec. 1, 2021, the U. S. DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity on the availability of Special Transportation Circumstance (STC) program funding.

Too much talking? ATP board member questions money spent on communications for Project Connect

The current talk surrounding Austin’s Project Connect is the amount it is going to take to establish a consistent buzz with the community.

The end is near for what was once prominent coal rail track in Cedar Falls, Iowa

With the glory days now history, Cedar Falls officials are now planning an un-ceremonial end to rail track that runs through the downtown area.

Another delay on Eglinton Crosstown LRT project has officials wondering when line will finally be complete

Word problems usually come with multiple choice answers, but in the case of Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT project, the only option appears to be of the fill-in-the-blank variety.

Land purchases for King of Prussia line approved by SEPTA board

The SEPTA board has approved the purchase of land for the King of Prussia line project.

Bells & Whistles—WMATA not ready to fix rail due to rail car wheel issue

The top news stories we were following the week ending Sept. 23.

Southwest Light Rail project accused of causing more structural damage to nearby property

Met Council and the builders behind the Southwest Light Rail project are being taken to court by a businessman who claims nearby construction caused damaged to a warehouse that he owns.

More funds for CREATE’s rail line modernization project

The Chicago Region Environment and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE) partners announced that $70 million in federal funds will soon be on the way to Chicago, allowing for a $170 million project to modernize a 2-mile stretch of rail lines that provide a critical connection for freight moving across the Chicago region.

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