NCRR to build spur track to serve tire manufacturer
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) will invest $2.5 million in design and construction of a rail spur and storage tracks for a tire manufacturer in Edgecombe County.
Track Structure
NTSB preliminary report on Amtrak 501 accident says PTC would have prevented over speed
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the Amtrak 501 accident in Washington state and explains that positive train control (PTC) could have prevented the over speed condition.
Caric, Landreth elected to NRC Board
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) has announced its board election results, adding two new members to the NRC board in 2018.
Feds: What Gateway agreement?
Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams outlined a series of concerns regarding an updated financial plan for the Hudson Tunnel project in a letter to New York State Director of Budget Robert Mujica on Dec. 29.
Smart Sand completes rail expansion at frac sand facility
Smart Sand, Inc. has completed construction of its unit train capable rail facility in Byron Township, Wis., and moved its first unit train via Union Pacific on Dec. 26.
Holland’s Flaherty retiring
Kevin Flaherty, executive vice president for Maintenance of Way at Holland LP, will be retiring effective Dec. 31 after 15 years of leadership within the company and 40 years in the industry.
Pandrol adds to senior team
Arnaud Pierrard is joining Pandrol’s senior team in a new position tasked with innovating the company’s manufacturing processes.
Keolis, MBTA driving toward drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV, aka, drones) are becoming an important tool in railroad engineering and maintenance. Keolis Commuter Services, which operates regional/commuter rail for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, is among the latest to adopt the technology.
New York, New Jersey commit to funding local share of Gateway Project
New York and New Jersey have reached a deal to fund 100 percent the local share of the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project originally laid out in a 2015 framework agreement, which calls on the federal government to fund 50 percent of the project.
First trains roll over Portageville Bridge
Norfolk Southern began operating trains across its new Portageville Bridge on Dec. 11, following two years of construction.
PANYNJ approves 2018 budgets; approves Superstorm Sandy repairs
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s 2018 Budget consisting of $3.2 billion for operating expenses and $3.4 billion for capital expenses on Dec. 7. Additionally, the board approved Superstorm Sandy-related enhancement projects.
SCVTA to continue analysis of tunnel options for BART extension
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) has adjusted the project development timeline for the BART Silicon Valley Phase 2 extension in order to further evaluate tunneling options for the project.
RFQ issued for Metrolinx Lakeshore West GO corridor projects
Ontario and Metrolinx are proceeding with planned improvements for the Lakeshore West GO Transit corridor with the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
Network Rail puts new grinders into service
Britain’s infrastructure manager Network Rail (NR) has introduced into operation the first two of three 150m (492-foot) long grinding trains, which Loram and Colas Rail are supplying under a £36-million (US$48.6-million) contract.
Chicago issues RFQ for O’Hare Express Service
The city of Chicago is moving ahead with a plan to offer express train service between the Loop and O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
LIRR to perform switch installation at Atlantic Terminal
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is gearing up to conduct switch installation work near its Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn as part of its Vanderbilt Yard Reconfiguration project.
MBTA taps better maintenance practices with Green Line improvements
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has provided the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) with a long-term strategic plan for continued track maintenance and an update on major short-term improvements for Green Line track areas.
WSOR hosts WisDOT Sec. Ross for tour
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Dave Ross joined a group of Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) employees recently for a tour of the railroad.
CN wrapping up Oliver Bridge work
Canadian National is substantially complete with a rehabilitation project on a bridge linking its Minnesota and Wisconsin network.
Panel recommends two tunnels for BART extension
A peer review panel convened by Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has recommended a twin-bore option for a BART extension into Silicon Valley.