Bridges/Tunnels

Trio of trusses

Planning, coordination and structural engineering magic come together
on a project to replace three century-old bridges in Massachusetts.

NS’s Moorman calls 2011 “best year ever” for the railroad

After setting performance records in 2011, Norfolk Southern Corporation looks ahead to its 30th anniversary in 2012 and beyond “with confidence, optimism and a great deal of enthusiasm,” CEO Wick Moorman told stockholders in the 2011 annual report, posted on the company’s website.

Pacific Northwest Passenger Rail Corridor project celebrated

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo visited King Street Station in Seattle, Wash., to celebrate the Pacific Northwest Passenger Rail Corridor construction project, which will help increase the station’s capacity while transforming it into a modern transit hub.

CTA previews Loop track renewal project

The Chicago Transit Authority previewed upcoming track renewal work that will affect primarily weekend service in the Loop beginning in mid-April through late-2012. The project will involve special trackwork at the Loop junctions and the replacement of nearly 11,500 feet of elevated rail and track components that were installed in the mid-1980s, which are nearing the end of their useful life.

Nevada DOT supports Las Vegas “X” Train

Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (“X” Train) received support from the state of Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for the X Train as the viable short term conventional passenger rail project in the state of Nevada for the zero-five year time frame.

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.

GWI opens Australian bridge damaged in cyclone

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. reopened the Edith River Bridge in Australia’s Northern Territory following the December 27, 2011, derailment of a Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd freight train in flood waters associated with Cyclone Grant.