Denver RTD recommends ‘hybrid’ approach for FasTracks Northwest plan

The Regional Transportation District in Denver, Colo., staff made its recommendation to the RTD Board of Directors to keep the Northwest Rail Line to Longmont in the FasTracks plan, but to add bus rapid transit service to address transit needs until the full build out of the rail line. The board will make its decision on whether to accept the staff recommendation or move forward in a different direction at a meeting on March 20.

Harsco receives track maintenance equipment orders

Harsco Corporation received new U.S. and international orders in its Harsco Rail track maintenance services, equipment and parts business totaling more than $25 million.

FRA doles out $17 million for rail line relocation projects

Twelve cities and states will share $16.9 million to relocate, replace and improve segments of railroad track under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Rail Line Relocation and Improvement competitive grant program.

UP to put $38.2 million in Missouri infrastructure improvements

Union Pacific is enhancing Missouri’s transportation infrastructure by investing $38.2 million in the rail line that runs between Labadie and Jefferson City. The project is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.

FTA’s Rogoff, Florida officials highlight transit infrastructure investment

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff joined Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Alcee Hastings at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Tri-Rail Station at Dania Beach, Fla., to highlight the president’s FY2013 budget proposal that calls for greater investment in transit infrastructure as part of an America built to last.

Pennsylvania doles out $23 million to 16 rail projects

In Pennsylvania, $23 million in state investments will fund 16 freight-rail improvement projects statewide.

Sound Transit board approves $24 million budget amendment

The Seattle-area’s Sound Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved an amendment to the agency’s 2012 budget to provide $24.3 million in additional funding for establishing a shovel-ready plan to extend light rail from S. 200th Street to the heart of Federal Way.

Canadian government grants C$15 million to RRUC project at Port of Prince Rupert

The government of Canada today made a C$15-million (US$15.016 million) contribution to the Ridley Island Road, Rail and Utility Corridor (RRUC) project at the Port of Prince Rupert.

Busy year outlined for Central Corridor LRT project

The final year of heavy construction on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project is kicking off.

Unitrac awarded WMATA order

Unitrac Railroad Materials, Inc., received a three year contract to supply special trackwork to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The amount of manufactured trackwork that will be provided by Unitrac under this contract is valued at approximately $8 million over the next three years.

Del Cueto addresses KCS

On February 15, KCS de Mexico director ejecutivo de operaciones Oscar Del Cueto and gerente de desarrollo de negocios internacionales Marco Cervantes attended BNamericas Mexico Infrastructure Summit in Mexico City.

NYCT second round of FASTRACK improvements declared a success

Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit wrapped up its second FASTRACK line segment closure successfully completing an ambitious schedule of work on the Seventh Avenue Line from 34 th Street-Penn Station to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. NYCT said it remains clear that the FASTRACK program is both a safer and more efficient way to maintain and clean a 24/7 subway system.

Cincinnati kicks off construction of new streetcar line

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood helped kick off construction of a new 3.9-mile streetcar line that will spur Cincinnati’s efforts to revitalize its downtown core by improving access to major employers, the developing riverfront and many area attractions. LaHood was joined at the event by Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory.

CN targets C$1.75 billion in 2012 capital investments

CN plans to invest C$1.75 billion (US$1.46 billion) in 2012 to maintain and upgrade its railway network, support growth and productivity initiatives and continue to provide customers with a high level of service.

Koppers awarded crosstie order to South America

Koppers Inc. received a purchase order to supply treated crossties to Vale in South America. The estimated revenues from the order are $9-$11 million, and the order is expected to be completed during 2012.

UP to invest $200 million in South Louisiana

Union Pacific will invest $200 million in three projects across South Louisiana to expand operations, creating 225 new direct jobs, retaining 1,100 employees and creating 1,500 construction jobs.

TIFIA loan requests top $13 billion

The Department of Transportation received 26 TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) letters of interest exceeding $13 billion. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the overwhelming demand for TIFIA program loans has greatly exceeded the dollars available, underscoring President Obama’s call for greater transportation investment.

Feds recommend $2.2 billion to advance transit projects in 15 states

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recommended $2.2 billion in funding to begin or advance construction of 29 significant rail and bus rapid transit projects in 15 states. All the recommendations are part of the Federal Transit Administration’s Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013.

UP to put $17.1 million into Oregon, California infrastructure

Union Pacific is enhancing the California and Oregon transportation infrastructure by investing $6.5 million in its Kenton and Graham Lines in the Portland, Ore., metropolitan area and $10.6 million in the line that runs between Santa Barbara and Camarillo, Calif. The California project is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

Honolulu Rail Transit could be big winner in Obama budget

Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa released a statement saying the Obama Administration requested $250 million for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project for fiscal year 2013, the largest amount for any rail project in the country.The money would come from the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program.