NCDOT awards grade separation contract, closes two crossings for panel installation

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarded a $7.6-million contract to Blythe Construction Inc. of Charlotte for a project, which will improve safety at the North Carolina Railroad crossing on Klumac Road in Salisbury.

Port of Los Angeles begins construction on West Basin Railyard

Construction has begun on a staging and storage rail yard that will serve as a critical link between the Port of Los Angeles and the Alameda Corridor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

light-rail transit

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.

Schuster named new T&I Committee chair

Rep. Bill Shuster was selected by the House Republican Conference to be the next chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Steel Dynamics Structural and Rail Division to expand rail production

Steel Dynamics, Inc., plans to install a heat-treating system at its Columbia City, Ind., Structural and Rail Division (SRD). When operational, the system will be capable of producing up to 350,000 tons of standard-strength and head-hardened plain, carbon steel rails for North America’s railroad industry.

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