CTA publishes Red Line extension Draft EIS
The Chicago Transit Authority published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its proposed Red Line Extension (RLE) to 130th Street.
Track Structure
Ready the ballast trains: Railroads prepare for Hurricane Matthew
Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm, is making its way to the southeast of the U.S. and is expected to bring torrential rain, damaging wind and potential devastation. The Weather Channel said the storm could strengthen to a Category 5 and is the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s east coast in 24 years.
Rep. Thornberry visits Rocla Concrete Tie
U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX-13) visited Rocla Concrete Tie, Inc., in Amarillo, Texas, for a tour of the supplier’s facility on Oct. 3.
Sec. Foxx tours federally funded Maine rail projects
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx joined Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) for a tour of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and the Port of Portland on Oct. 3.
Maser Consulting hires new lead for rail engineering services division
National engineering firm Maser Consulting P.A. (MC) has hired Francis J. Miller, III, P.E., to lead its rail engineering service division.
Montana rail spur receives EDA funds
The Lincoln County Port Authority in Libby, Mont., received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a planned rail spur.
MassDOT awards grants to enhance freight rail access
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has awarded seven grants totaling more than $2.2 million as part of the 2016 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP).
PANYNJ approves eight-year plan to overhaul Sandy-damaged tunnels
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved a major overhaul of two PATH tunnels damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
BART’s plan to repair tunnels involves bentonite and a ballot measure
“Save the rainforest” is not a mantra embraced by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) maintenance crews. Their “rainforest” is a nickname bestowed on the miles of underground track in downtown San Francisco that have developed problematic water intrusion issues following more than 40 years of use.
Infrastructure investments on D&H line results in improved service for Norfolk Southern
It’s been one year since Norfolk Southern purchased the Delaware & Hudson Railway Co.’s (D&H) line between Sunbury, Pa., and Schenectady, N.Y.
Amtrak names program management support team for Gateway Program
Amtrak has chosen Hill International and CH2M to provide program management support services for its Gateway Program in the Northeast Corridor.
ACE Construction Authority breaks ground on Fullerton grade separation
The Alameda Corridor-East (ACE) Construction Authority broke ground on its 16th grade separation project Sept. 16.
RTD unearths old rail trestle while building North Metro Line
North Metro Rail Line construction crews uncovered a century-old rail trestle bridge by chance when workers were embarking on a large-scale drainage project in the Grange Hall area south of the Northglenn 112th station.
Wisconsin awards $37 million to freight rail projects
Six Wisconsin freight rail projects were awarded $37 million in grants and loans from the state’s Freight Railroad Assistance Program.
FRA awards $25 million in safety grants
Safety at crossings, stations and tracks in 14 states and the District of Columbia will be enhanced thanks to $25 million in grants awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
MBTA resumes winter resiliency efforts
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) had extra help kicking off its second phase of winter resiliency work during the weekend of Sept. 10-11.
Plasser announces Blechinger as new president
Plasser American Corporation has announced that the company selected Thomas Blechinger as its new President, succeeding Dr. Günther Oberlechner.
Wheeler Lumber hosts South Dakota congressional staff for tour, rail discussion
Wheeler Lumber, a National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member, received a visit from the staff of U.S. Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) for a tour of the company’s Whitewood, South Dakota, facility Sept. 8.
MBTA advances bridge replacement work
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will progress work on the second phase of a bridge replacement project this fall.
Gross & Janes awarded patent for crosstie pre-treatment
Gross & Janes Co. has received a United States Patent for a ‘two-step’ borate pre-treatment dipping process and related equipment the company developed to increase the life of wood railroad crossties.