Metrolinx purchases tunnel-boring machines for Eglinton Crosstown project

Metrolinx continues to move forward its bold 5 in 10 Plan, a vision to improve transit in Toronto, with the C$54-million contract with Lovat Inc. to purchase four tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) for the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project.

Straub named president of expanded Nordco Equipment Services

Nordco Inc. has named Bill Straub President of the company’s newly formed Equipment Services Business Unit. Nordco Equipment Services incorporates the company’s Rebuild and Repair group in Oak Creek, Wis., and J.E.R. Overhaul in Arcola, Ill.

MTA launches Second Avenue Subway tunnel-boring machine

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, elected officials and contractor S3 Tunnel Constructors launched the tunnel-boring machine that will dig the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway.

Harsco adds to Brazilian footprint with new equipment order

Harsco Corporation said that its Harsco Rail unit has received a new railway ballast tamper order from the Brazilian market, marking another step forward in the company’s strategies for expanding its service and product support within emerging market economies. Terms of the order were not disclosed.

CTA continues to add ATM machines across the system

The Chicago Transit Board approved a revenue-generating contract to place additional Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) at rail stations and employee facilities. The ATM contract will generate a total of at least $1.3 million over the next five years. This is in addition to the $4.7 million contract announced at last month’s Board meeting.

Racine firm devises sophisticated machinery for nation’s train lines

When railroads were first stretching their tentacles across vast new parts of this country, each new expanse of track was bought with Herculean human labor, the Racine, Wis., Journal-Times reports. No longer. Maintaining and replacing the rails still requires manpower, but far less of it. Mechanization has replaced much of what the gandy dancer and the sledgehammer achieved.

Arson suspected as fire damages NS maintenance equipment

Police and firefighters are investigating what appears to be an intentionally set blaze that damaged one and destroyed another railroad track repair vehicle, the Dayton, Ohio, Daily News reports. It took firefighters less than 20 minutes about 5:40 a.m. Feb. 3, to get the fires under control along the railroad tracks near 506 E. Xenia Ave., according to reports.