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.

WisDOT awards more than $31 million for freight rail projects

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) awarded more than $31 million in grants and loans for seven freight rail projects in the state. The goal of Wisconsin’s freight railroad assistance program is to increase the use of rail transportation and support economic development and job creation.

MTA plans major projects in 2016 for Flushing Line

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has scheduled critical work in 2016 on the Flushing 7 Line between Manhattan and Queens.

NRC selects Cosmo Lawrence Laurello for Hall of Fame

The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Hall of Fame Selection Committee unanimously selected Cosmo Lawrence Laurello, known as Larry, Sr., as this year’s only entrant into the NRC Hall of Fame, who will be honored at the 2016 NRC Conference in San Diego, Calif.

RTD nears completion of 64th Avenue grade separation

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver is nearing completion of its 64th Avenue Bridge between Pecos Street and Federal Boulevard. The bridge replaces a portion of the existing 64th Avenue roadway and an at-grade railroad crossing with a grade-separated crossing.

Gross & Janes appoints three to executive, senior management positions

Gross & Janes Co. has named Scott McBride vice president of procurement, appointed Bill Behan to vice president of plant operations and promoted Heather Bridges to controller.

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