Track Structure

WMATA progresses capital rebuilding effort

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provided an update on its progress to rebuild the system following years of underinvestment. In the six-month period from July 1 to December 31, 2011, Metro spent $307 million on capital projects ranging from replacing railcars, switches, rail and track components to rehabilitating station platforms, escalators and elevators.

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.

Port of Stockton California improves capacity

The Port of Stockton California in a public/ private partnership with Union Pacific and Metropolitan Stevedore Company completed a project to add 5,828 feet of track to the East Port interchange Tracks. This new track allows a loop upon which inbound and outbound trains can move on without interfering with operations of the port’s east complex class yard. The track will be in service effective March 9, 2012.

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.