Metra adds more than $64M to its 2016 capital program
The Metra Board of Directors has approved a $64.5 million addition to the agency’s 2016 capital program which now totals $251 million in projected spending.
Bridges/Tunnels
More than 400 take to Capitol Hill for Railroad Day
The industry’s annual single day blitz of congressional officials brought more than 400 industry representatives to Washington, D.C., on March 3.
Effort to make shortline tax credit permanent enters both houses of Congress
Less than a week before the rail industry gathers in Washington, D.C., to promote issues, such as the 45G shortline tax credit, legislation was introduced in both houses of Congress that would make the tax credit permanent.
FRA launches website for states, municipalities to request bridge inspection reports
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has launched a new tool on its website that allows states and municipalities to request inspection reports for rail bridges in their communities.
USDOT accepting applications for new $800M FASTLANE grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is soliciting applications for a new grant program authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.
BNSF to focus on rail, ties and ballast in New Mexico
BNSF revealed more details about its planned 2016 capital expenditure program in New Mexico. The railroad said the $100-million plan is focused on projects that help ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable network and reflects the success BNSF has had in adding capacity in prior years to support customer demand.
KCS improves capacity of cross border bridge
Kansas City Southern identified the International Rail Bridge at Laredo/Nuevo Laredo as an opportunity to improve operational efficiency and a candidate for the Business Process Improvement (BPI) Program in 2015.
The success of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge rehab project
All parties involved in the recent reconstruction of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge agree that a focus on scheduling and coordination helped the project finish on time and on budget with no major injuries reported.
HNTB adds rail leadership to N.C., New York and New Jersey offices
HNTB Corporation’s promoted nine in its New York and New Jersey offices and added a new hire in its North Carolina office.
CN 2016 capital plan shows slight increase over 2015
Canadian National‘s 2016 capital plan includes an investment of approximately CA$2.9 billion (US$2.07 billion) in rail infrastructure and equipment to raise network efficiency, support long-term growth and further strengthen safety. The railroad is the only North American Class 1 to increased its spend over 2015, which for CN was CA$2.8 billion (US$2.06 billion.)
UP Board approves $3.75 billion 2016 capital plan
The Union Pacific Board of Directors approved the company’s 2016 capital plan of approximately $3.75 billion, down about $550 million versus 2015. The plan includes $375 million to further implement Positive Train Control.
Connecticut bond commission approves funds for Metro-North yard
Connecticut has allocated $17.5 million in state funding for the design, engineering and construction of a new rail yard on the Metro-North Railroad Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. The funding comes under Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy “Let’s Go CT!” initiative, which is making investments to upgrade and modernize the state’s transportation system.
Norfolk Southern 2016 capex reflects strategic focus toward streamlined railroad
Norfolk Southern has a planned capital improvement budget of $2.1 billion in 2016, which is $300 million less than its record $2.4 billion capital plan in 2015.
BNSF plans $4.3 billion 2016 capital plan
BNSF Railway released plans for a $4.3 billion 2016 capital expenditure program focuses on helping to ensure the company continues to operate a safe and reliable network this year and beyond.
KCS 2016 capital program reflects 10 percent reduction over 2015
Kansas City Southern estimates its 2016 capital program will be between $580-590 million, which represents an approximate 10 percent decline from its $649 million program in 2015.
Union Pacific estimates $3.75B capital program in 2016
Union Pacific is planning for a $3.75 billion capital program in 2016, pending approval from its board the railroad said in an earning release.
CSX targets $2.4 billion capex in 2016
CSX is aiming for a $2.4 billion capital expenditure program in 2016, which reflects a $100 million reduction over 2015 numbers.
Morsches named CEO of TranSystems
Richard Morsches, PE, has been promoted to chief executive officer of TranSystems Corp. He brings to this role more than 30 years of experience and progressive leadership from serving clients locally in the Chicago area, to managing offices throughout the region, to leading the firm’s strategy and sales efforts nationally.
KCS plans rail, bridge projects in Louisiana
Kansas City Southern (KCS) will invest approximately $15 million in 2016 on rail and bridge improvement projects on its Beaumont Subdivision between DeQuincy and DeRidder, La. These projects will help grow capacity, as well as maintain and enhance safety on KCS’ cross-border network.
RTD nears completion of 64th Avenue grade separation
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver is nearing completion of its 64th Avenue Bridge between Pecos Street and Federal Boulevard. The bridge replaces a portion of the existing 64th Avenue roadway and an at-grade railroad crossing with a grade-separated crossing.