Legislation to make 45G tax credit permanent re-enters House
A bill that would make the shortline maintenance tax credit permanent was introduced to the House of Representatives during the evening of Jan. 30.
Bridges/Tunnels
Mining firm does away with rail spur as part of Nebraska project
NioCorp Developments Ltd. is removing plans for a 4.3-mile rail spur and supporting infrastructure that would have been constructed as part of its planned Elk Creek Superalloy Project.
CSX plans $2.2 billion capital program for 2017
CSX revealed a preliminary 2017 capital investment of $2.2 billion during its Fourth Quarter earnings call on Jan. 18.
Union Pacific targets $3.1 billion capital program in 2017
Union Pacific aims to spend approximately $3.1 billion on its 2017 capital program, pending approval by the Class 1’s Board of Directors.
CTC allocates more than $25 million to California freight, rail transit projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated more than $127 million to 49 projects to maintain the state’s infrastructure systems.
Sen. Menendez talks infrastructure priorities with USDOT Secretary-designate Chao
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) met with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary-designate Elaine Chao on Jan. 18 to discuss infrastructure priorities, specifically, the Gateway Program.
USDOT report confirms significant backlog in infrastructure investment
A Congressionally-mandated report has found that U.S. infrastructure requires more investment to maintain existing systems, as well as tackle a significant backlog of repair work.
PANYNJ releases $32 billion 10-year capital plan
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) released its draft 10-year capital plan, which addresses $32 billion worth of projects in New York and New Jersey.
Minnesota governor proposes “make up” bonding bill with $91M for rail
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith introduced a bill that would spend $1.5 billion to build more than 240 projects across the state, including more than $91 million in rail projects.
MnDOT recommends bridge grade separation for troublesome crossing
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has completed a study into grade separation options at the state’s worst ranked grade crossing and has recommended an overpass option.
HART sets final guideway segment
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) marked a construction milestone on Dec. 23 with the final guideway segment put in place.
First CSX trains roll through Virginia Ave. Tunnel
The Virginia Avenue Tunnel in Washington, D.C., hosted its first train on Dec. 23., marking the on-time completion of the first phase of the project.
CREATE program, partners celebrate opening of 25th Avenue grade separation project
A new grade separation, part of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, opened at 25th Avenue over Union Pacific’s line in Bellwood, Ill., on Dec. 22.
Vermont rail tunnel project delayed for environmental analysis
A plan to replace two road bridges and build a rail tunnel in Middlebury, Vt., is being delayed in order for the project’s environmental impact to be studied.
NRC names recipients of Projects of the Year; Field Employee of the Year awards
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has named honorees for its 2016 special awards.
Union Pacific installs new Bayou Lafourche bridge
Union Pacific completed installation of a new bridge at Bayou Lafourche in Donaldsonville, La., over the weekend.
UNLV awarded funds to establish high-speed rail UTC
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), will establish a new University Transportation Center (UTC) to study rail infrastructure with funds from a federal grant.
B&P Tunnel FEIS released
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has been released for the B&P Tunnel replacement project, which would rebuild this critical link on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) that was originally built in 1873.
Construction kicks off on $700M North Coast Corridor Project
Federal, state and local officials participated in a ground breaking ceremony for the first phase of the North Coast Corridor (NCC) Program, which will make $700 million in infrastructure improvements over the next five years.
Union Pacific to increase Modesto area train speed
Union Pacific (UP) will increase train speed Nov. 15 to 60 mph from 40 mph along about four miles of track between River Road and Plaza Parkway in Modesto, Calif.