Union Pacific to spend $180 million to improve California infrastructure
Union Pacific plans to invest $180 million into its California infrastructure in 2017. The investment is part of the Class 1’s $3.1-billion capital plan for the year.
Track Structure
Vossloh names new management at several divisions
Vossloh has made six leadership changes that will affect its divisions serving the North American rail market.
TriMet MAX improvements for Morrison-Yamhill project begins April 30
TriMet’s Morrison-Yamhill MAX Improvements project kicks off on Sunday, April 30. Crews will begin maintenance and rehab on some of Portland’s oldest MAX alignment along SW Morrison and Yamhill streets at 11th and 1st avenues downtown.
TransLink to replace track pads, rail over 2.98 miles by July 2017
TransLink is replacing track pads and approximately 5,000 linear meters (16,404 linear feet) of running rail this year as a part of its annual Expo Line Running Rail Replacement Project.
FRA opts for four single train tunnels to replace B&P Tunnel in ROD
Four new one-track tunnels should be bored to replace the existing Baltimore and Potomac (B&P) Tunnel according to a Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on March 31.
Canada commits to funding GO RER with CA$1.8 billion
The government of Canada will provide CA$1.8 billion (US$1.35 billion) to the GO Transit Regional Express rail (GO RER) project in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area.
SEPTA Releases Proposed FY 2018 Capital Budget
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will advance initiatives to renew critical infrastructure, replace aging portions of its fleet, expand capacity for growing ridership and make technology improvements under its proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget.
VTrans receives emergency order to install two temp bridges for Middlebury rail tunnel project
Two temporary bridges will be installed in downtown Middlebury, Vt., to support a rail tunnel project.
Canada 2017 federal budget commits to transit funding
Canada’s federal 2017 budget was released March 22 in a move the government called “the next step in the government’s long-term plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class.”
IO, Metrolinx issue RFQ for Lakeshore East project
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Lakeshore East – East Corridor Expansion project.
Union Pacific plans increase in NW Iowa track speeds; consolidates Pocatello unit management
Union Pacific will increase the maximum track speed limit from 40 to 49 mph on the rail line paralleling Highway 60 in northwest Iowa next month.
Portageville Bridge construction begins
Bridge engineering firm Modjeski and Masters announced the start of steel construction on the main arch span of the Portageville Bridge across the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park in Portageville, New York.
Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts USDOT funds; TIGER, Amtrak long distance train funding gone
The Trump Administration released its proposed 2017 budget, which includes reducing funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation and eliminating Amtrak’s long distance train funding, as well as popular transportation grants.
Railroads outpace all U.S. infrastructure in new report card
American railroads earned a grade of B for infrastructure while the rest of the U.S. sectors got a barely-passing D+ in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
HNTB welcomes Jacob Argiro to Connecticut team
Jacob “Jake” Argiro, PE, joined HNTB Corporation as Connecticut office operations manager and associate vice president. He is based in the firm’s Rocky Hill office, where he manages HNTB’s operations throughout the state, including project management, budgeting, quality control and staffing.
Metra seeks bids for next phase of bridge project
Metra is seeking bids for the next phase of the multi-year Union Pacific North bridge project, which will replace bridges over 11 streets on the North Side of Chicago, as well as construct the inbound half of the new Ravenswood Station.
Wisconsin awards loan for rail spur construction
ProVision Partners Co-op has been awarded a $1.7 million Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement (FRIIP) loan from Wisconsin to help build a rail spur as part of an expansion project.
Georgia Ports Authority plans to reduce Garden City rail crossings
Representatives from Garden City, Chatham County and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) discussed a proposal that would reduce the use of grade crossings around GPA’s Garden City Terminal during a public meeting Feb. 28.
CTA set to begin next phase of 95th Terminal project
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is beginning the next major construction phase of its signature 95th Terminal Improvement Project, which will expand and greatly improve the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station.
LYNX Blue Line Extension opening delayed seven months
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) will open in March 2018, seven months later than the previously scheduled opening of August 2017.