For the first time, Oregon’s TriMet operated an electrified MAX test train on the northern segment of the new Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project alignment, including Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, on Wed., Jan. 21. A powered Portland Streetcar train also traveled across the bridge during the systems test.
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have selected Plenary Infrastructure ERMF as the preferred proponent to design, build, finance and maintain the East Rail Maintenance Facility (ERMF) project. The facility is being built in Whitby to support GO Transit‘s planned service expansion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo detailed his “2015 Opportunity Agenda” initiative, which includes a six-point plan outlining his vision to strengthen and modernize New York’s infrastructure, including an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport.
Sound Transit has been approved for a $1.33-billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for construction of the East Link Light Rail Extension Project.
Metro-North is starting 2015 with rebuilding efforts and attention to major safety initiatives. The track improvements that defined 2014 are moving along and the railroad also expects continued progress as the last of the 405 M-8 cars are placed into service on the New Haven Line this spring.
Koppers Inc. has acquired the creosote distribution business of KMG Chemicals, Inc., for $12.5 million plus the fair market value of inventory, which is estimated at $3 million. In addition to inventory, the acquisition includes the transfer of leased railcars and storage tanks from KMG to Koppers, as well as various customer agreements. Operating results from this business will be included in Koppers Carbon Materials and Chemicals business segment.
In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that a Canadian Pacific train derailed when a wheel flange struck and climbed a switch point and then fell between the switch point and the rail.
CSX, in partnership with North Carolina Department of Transporation, will begin construction on a series of projects to build universal crossovers on the CSX A-line in three eastern North Carolina locations: South Weldon, Enfield and Rocky Mount. Construction at the three project locations will include grading, drainage improvements, track and signal construction.
CSX Corporation had a lot of good news for investors during this mornings Quarter 4 2014 earnings conference call including record fourth-quarter 2014 net earnings. The railroad also unveiled that it will target a $2.5-billion capital expenditure program in the upcoming year. In 2014, the railroad targeted a $2.3-billion capital spend program.
Construction has been completed on a new passing siding and bridge on the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) corridor near the Lenoir-Wayne County line.
Alpha Products, Inc., a metal fabrication and stamping company based in Bedford Park, Ill., has completed its sale to a new ownership group led by John Marks of LEJAK & Associates.
IntegriCo Composites, manufacturer of recycled plastic crossties, is now producing its product for five Class 1 railroads in North America.
New York state has received federal approval for the plan to build a new arch bridge to replace the historic Portageville Bridge carrying the Norfolk Southern’s Southern Tier Line over the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park.
BNSF, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the city of Willmar, Kandiyohi County and the Kandiyohi/Willmar Economic Development Commission have entered into a revised Memorandum of Understanding allowing the partners to apply for federal funds to help pay for a wye project.
Massachusetts Gov.Deval Patrick joined Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA-1) and James McGovern (D-MA-3), Massachusetts Department of Transportation Acting Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Frank DePaola, local elected officials and community members Dec. 22 for the inaugural run of Amtrak‘s Vermonter service on the Knowledge Corridor.
“This year, the Kansas City Southern management team refined the company’s vision, restating it to be the leading transportation provider both within and between the U.S. and Mexico by consistently providing superior value to our customers, offering challenging careers to our employees and increasing value to our shareholders,” stated KCS’s President and Chief Executive Officer David Starling in his annual “State of the Railroad” memo.
In anticipation of the January 2015 release of the Draft North Carolina Comprehensive State Rail Plan, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has issued the Plan’s Executive Summary.
President Obama signed two key pieces of legislation last week that will impact the rail industry.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has selected HDR to provide a Tier II Environmental Impact Statement for proposed high-speed rail to improve passenger rail service and alleviate congestion between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va.
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) closed a $403-million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for Fairfax County and a $195 million TIFIA loan for Loudoun County to fund construction of Phase Two of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Silver Line extension.
