Track Structure
HNTB adds rail leadership to N.C., New York and New Jersey offices
HNTB Corporation’s promoted nine in its New York and New Jersey offices and added a new hire in its North Carolina office.
G&W 2016 capex down nearly 30 percent
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) will target a $225 million capital program in 2016, which is down approximately 28 percent when compared to its 2015 spend of $315 million.
CN 2016 capital plan shows slight increase over 2015
Canadian National‘s 2016 capital plan includes an investment of approximately CA$2.9 billion (US$2.07 billion) in rail infrastructure and equipment to raise network efficiency, support long-term growth and further strengthen safety. The railroad is the only North American Class 1 to increased its spend over 2015, which for CN was CA$2.8 billion (US$2.06 billion.)
UP Board approves $3.75 billion 2016 capital plan
The Union Pacific Board of Directors approved the company’s 2016 capital plan of approximately $3.75 billion, down about $550 million versus 2015. The plan includes $375 million to further implement Positive Train Control.
FRA gives go ahead to new BWI rail station
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the new Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) rail station. The project includes adding a fourth track to nine miles of the Northeast Corridor surrounding BWI and reconfiguring the platforms to allow boarding from all four tracks.
Metrolink to begin tie replacement project
Beginning Feb. 8, Metrolink will begin replacing 21,000 crossties in Orange County, Calif., over the course of nine weeks between the cities of Orange and San Juan Capistrano.
Connecticut bond commission approves funds for Metro-North yard
Connecticut has allocated $17.5 million in state funding for the design, engineering and construction of a new rail yard on the Metro-North Railroad Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. The funding comes under Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy “Let’s Go CT!” initiative, which is making investments to upgrade and modernize the state’s transportation system.
MTC awards $447 million to Bay Area transit systems for improvements
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in Oakland, Calif., has allocated $494 million to help more than 20 San Francisco Bay Area transit agencies replace or rehabilitate aging buses, ferries, rail cars, tracks and bridges; update safety, control and communications systems; install new fare-collection equipment;
Final major contract for East Side Access project awarded
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the final major contract for the East Side Access project, which will build and finish four platforms and eight tracks for the new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) terminal.
Norfolk Southern 2016 capex reflects strategic focus toward streamlined railroad
Norfolk Southern has a planned capital improvement budget of $2.1 billion in 2016, which is $300 million less than its record $2.4 billion capital plan in 2015.
BNSF plans $4.3 billion 2016 capital plan
BNSF Railway released plans for a $4.3 billion 2016 capital expenditure program focuses on helping to ensure the company continues to operate a safe and reliable network this year and beyond.
Rep. Higgins provides support to NFTA rail extension
Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) is encouraging the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to pursue Alternative B, also known as the Buffalo River plan, in a study examining options to enhance access and expand connectivity along the southern end of the Metro Rail line in Downtown Buffalo, N.Y.
KCS 2016 capital program reflects 10 percent reduction over 2015
Kansas City Southern estimates its 2016 capital program will be between $580-590 million, which represents an approximate 10 percent decline from its $649 million program in 2015.
Union Pacific estimates $3.75B capital program in 2016
Union Pacific is planning for a $3.75 billion capital program in 2016, pending approval from its board the railroad said in an earning release.
Ideal rail health
Finding a metallurgical flaw is a single aspect in today’s advanced rail inspection practices.
Port Authority of Allegheny County to begin rail replacement in March
The Port Authority of Alleghany County plans to replace nearly a mile of aging and deteriorating light-rail tracks and street pavement in Beechview, Pa., beginning in March.
CSX targets $2.4 billion capex in 2016
CSX is aiming for a $2.4 billion capital expenditure program in 2016, which reflects a $100 million reduction over 2015 numbers.
Morsches named CEO of TranSystems
Richard Morsches, PE, has been promoted to chief executive officer of TranSystems Corp. He brings to this role more than 30 years of experience and progressive leadership from serving clients locally in the Chicago area, to managing offices throughout the region, to leading the firm’s strategy and sales efforts nationally.
KCS plans rail, bridge projects in Louisiana
Kansas City Southern (KCS) will invest approximately $15 million in 2016 on rail and bridge improvement projects on its Beaumont Subdivision between DeQuincy and DeRidder, La. These projects will help grow capacity, as well as maintain and enhance safety on KCS’ cross-border network.