FTA issues FONSI for NJ Transit’s Raritan River Bridge replacement project
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on Oct. 13 for New Jersey Transit’s Raritan River Bridge Replacement project.
Bridges/Tunnels
Portal Bridge replacement project officially begins
A ground breaking ceremony was held Oct. 31 for the replacement of the Portal Bridge, a two-track 110-year-old swing span structure linking New Jersey and New York City.
RTD receives FRA approval to finish G Line testing
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has been granted conditional approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conclude testing along the G Line.
$67-million CREATE project complete
The intersection improvement project at Irving Park Road (Illinois 19) and York Road, which follows a railroad overpass companion project built on Irving Park Road, is now complete, according to The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
LIRR to replace Post Avenue Bridge
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will replace the railroad’s 103-year-old Post Avenue Bridge that carries the Main Line over Post Avenue at the Westbury train station.
BART to Silicon Valley: One tunnel or two?
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) will conduct a peer review of two tunnel methods as part of a planned BART extension to Silicon Valley.
Amtrak: We’re “Ready to Build”
Amtrak says its “Ready to Build” and a new campaign highlights five projects the railroad has deemed critical in order to realize a “renewed, modern passenger rail system.”
Sound Transit East Link tunneling now at 30% completion
Construction of Sound Transit’s East Link light-rail tunnel has reached 30 percent completion, according to the transit agency. Excavation is expected to progress at approximately three to four feet per day.
BNSF completes Washougal River Railroad Bridge replacement
BNSF Railway has completed the replacement of the Washougal River Railroad Bridge near Camas, Wash., using innovative techniques that preserved delicate wildlife in the area.
WMATA expands waterproofing after pilot success
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is expanding a water leak mitigation project on its Red Line after positive early results from the pilot project that began in July.
Iowa Transportation Commission awards funding to rail projects
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved more than $2.6 million in funding for three rail infrastructure and related rail development projects under the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program.
HDR to lead design efforts of Class 1 rail bridge over Mississippi
HDR has been awarded a contract to lead the final design of a Class 1 fixed, high bridge near Clinton, Iowa.
Metra awards $21.6-million contract for Fox River bridge
Metra’s Board of Directors has awarded a $21.6-million contract to replace the 136-year-old Fox River bridge to Illinois Constructors Corporation of Elburn.
Operation Lifesaver previews Rail Safety Week
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) provided a preview of the activities and sponsors of the upcoming inaugural U.S. Rail Safety Week (RSW).
Canada names negotiator, readies to step in to fix (or sell) HBR line to Churchill
Reiterating the importance of rail to the region, the government of Canada named a negotiator and said it is willing to explore interim funding options or potential sale of the Hudson Bay Rail Line in order to see service restored.
HAZON to make UAV software available for post-hurricane inspections
As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, HAZON Solutions says it will provide its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle fleet management software free to those involved in storm disaster response or recovery efforts in the United States.
USDOT accepting TIGER applications for FY17
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant applications through Oct. 16 for Fiscal Year 2017 awards.
Canadian government “formally demanded” repair to Hudson Bay rail line
The government of Canada has “formally demanded” that the Hudson Bay Railway Company honor a 2008 agreement and repair tracks between Amery and Churchill, Manitoba.
SYSTRA acquires bridge design company IBT
SYSTRA has acquired bridge design company International Bridge Technologies (IBT).
NS bridge inspection “drones” on
Norfolk Southern has one of the most comprehensive drone-based railroad bridge inspection programs in the nation, recently surpassing more than 100,000 linear feet.