Shortline tax credit gains 2,000th co-sponsor since 2004
The Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation Act, also referred to as 45G, reached a significant milestone this week when it gained its 2,000th co-sponsor since its first introduction in 2004.
Track Structure
CSX moves Carolina Connector; debuts new intermodal service
CSX put a stop to the controversy surrounding its planned Carolina Connector (CCX) intermodal facility in Johnson County, N.C., by moving the project to Rocky Mount in Edgecombe County.
WMATA gears up for fifth SafeTrack surge
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) fifth SafeTrack surge will begin July 20, resulting in around-the-clock single tracking between East Falls Church and Ballston stations through July 31, 2016.
Gateway projects take step toward qualifying for major funding
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has moved the Hudson Tunnel Project and Portal North Bridge – both critical elements of the Gateway Program in the New York City area – into the Project Development process for a New Starts Grant available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Maryland Transit Administration readies for 24-day shutdown to perform repairs
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is preparing for critical maintenance work that will partially shut down the subway system for 24 days this summer.
RCP&E celebrates completion of $5.65M project
The Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCP&E) held a grand opening ceremony in Aurora, S.D., July 8 to celebrate the completion of a $5.65 million project.
NMC Railway Systems to become dealer for Huddig
NMC Railway Systems, in partnership Supertrak – distributor of Huddig and a division of Marden Industries – is now the dealer in the United States and Canada for the Huddig Rail complete system for rail maintenance.
Omega names new regional sales manager
Omega Industries, Inc., has hired Jerry McCombs as southeast U.S. regional sales manager.
Port, grade separation projects receive FASTLANE grants
Several intermodal projects, as well as two grade separation projects will benefit from Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants.
Coos Bay Rail Link receives grant to rehab tunnels
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded the Coos Bay Rail Line $11 million to rehabilitate nine crumbling tunnels along the critical rail link between Eugene and Coquille, Ore.
A firm grasp on fastening systems
Suppliers look to improve the way their respective fastening systems hold track together.
Preventing wheel-climb derailments
This study focused on applying new research results to develop preventing and practical understanding of wheel climb derailments.
CTC allocates more than $54 million for rail projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has adopted 156 projects, valued at $583 million, to support needed upkeep on California’s aging roads and bridges, make upgrades to transit and rail systems and encourage use of alternative forms of transportation, including biking and walking.
2016 update: Special trackwork
Turnouts, diamonds, frogs and other special trackwork components are always evolving as manufacturers study new technologies to improve the rails.
Encore Rail Systems hosts Rep. Polis for demonstration, discussion
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO-2) joined representatives from Encore Rail Systems on June 29, 2016, for a product demonstration and discussion on public policy priorities for greater Denver’s manufacturing and rail communities.
Work on expanded GO Transit service between Hamilton and the Niagara Region to begin in 2017
Ontario is planning to bring new weekday GO rail service between the future Confederation GO Station in Hamilton and the Niagara Region starting in 2021, with service to Niagara Falls by 2023.
Koppers signs rail joint contracts with Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific
Koppers Inc. has signed long-term contracts with Norfolk Southern (three years) and Union Pacific (five years) for bonded rail joint assemblies.
Union Pacific plans tie replacement project in Montana
Union Pacific plans to invest $1.7 million in 2016 to improve its transportation infrastructure in Montana, which will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency.
FRA’s preliminary report on Mosier derailment points to broken bolts as cause
A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) preliminary report of the June 3 Union Pacific oil train derailment near Mosier, Ore., found broken lag bolts that led to gauge widening to be the cause of the accident.
Meridian Speedway to receive tie, crossing and rail work
Meridian Speedway, LLC (MSLLC), a joint venture between Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Norfolk Southern (NS) for a 320-mile rail line between Meridian, Miss. and Shreveport, La., will invest approximately $28 million in 2016 on construction and improvement projects on its Vicksburg and Meridian Subdivisions.