NYMTA Transit Tech Lab Releases Results of Operational Efficiency, Human Capital Utilization Challenges

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Partnership for NYC Transit Tech Lab on May 9 reported the results of its Operational Efficiency and Human Capital Utilization challenges, in which 15 companies have been selected to collaborate with regional transit agencies and test technologies, such as AI (artificial intelligence), LiDAR and edge computing, to “mitigate service disruptions, automate operations and combat workforce shortages.”

Team members of R. J. Corman Railroad Services Emergency. From left to right, Rob Ralcewicz, Austin Singer, Greg Feasel, Rodney Clayton, Austin Clayton, Mike Hahn, David Fields, Mike Buchanan, Colin Hill, and Tim Koon.

R.J. Corman Opens New Emergency Division in Maine

R.J. Corman Railroad Services, LLC, a subsidiary of R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC, has announced the establishment of a new Emergency Response Division in Waterville, Maine, which as of May 1, will provide support to customers in the Northeast region of the U.S., including Maine and surrounding states, the company reported on May 4.

(Metra Photograph, via Twitter)

Metra Outlines Station, Track, Signaling Improvement Plans

Metra on May 2 detailed its construction projects for 2023, which include station improvements valued at $119.5 million, or nearly a quarter of the Chicagoland commuter railroad’s annual capital spending for the year; platform repairs and replacements; and track and signaling system renewals.

Metrolinx Shares Progress on Finch West LRT

Metrolinx has made progress on its guideway, the two terminus stations, and the maintenance and storage facility as the spring season gets underway.

MTA Completes Renovations at Grand St BD Subway Station 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on April 17 that crews have completed renovation work at the Grand St BD subway station in Chinatown under New York City Transit’s Re-NEW-vation campaign, which entailed rebuilding station components during a 55-hour window.

Regional Transportation Authority

Metra to Begin Construction at 103rd Street Washington Heights Station

Metra crews on April 21 will begin work on a major rehabilitation project at the Rock Island Line’s 103rd Street/Washington Heights Station. The station will remain open for passenger service throughout the project, but the depot building will be inaccessible to commuters while construction is underway.

U.S. Rep. Nehls Tours Herzog Facility at NRC-REMSA Grassroots Event

NRC and REMSA member Herzog Technologies, Inc. welcomed U.S. House of Representatives Member Troy Nehls (TX-22) for a tour of its Fort Worth, Texas, facility on April 7, 2023.

Sterling Selects Dilts as Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Strategy

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. has named Noelle Dilts to the position of vice president of Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy. Dilts will be responsible for leading Investor Relations and determining areas of strategic focus to grow existing and new segments in this role.

Harsco Corporation Taps Beswick as President for Clean Earth Division

Harsco Corporation has named Jeffrey Beswick as senior vice president and president, Clean Earth, effective May 1, 2023. He will join the Company’s Executive Leadership team.

CTA to ‘Refresh & Renew’ 29 Stations in 2023

The Chicago Transit Authority has announced that 29 rail stations will be repaired and upgraded in 2023 as part of its ongoing station improvement program Refresh & Renew, a key initiative of the agency’s “Meeting the Moment” Action Plan.

“Tampers and stoneblowers are track maintenance machines that make sure the track is correctly aligned and has a smooth level along the rail,” according to Network Rail. “They help to prevent the risk of trains derailing, and ensure smooth, comfortable journeys for passengers and freight trains. These machines generally work at night when no passenger trains are running.” (Network Rail Image)

Harsco Rail Lands Network Rail O&M Contract

Harsco Corporation on April 5 reported that its Rail division has been awarded a five-year, more than $130 million stoneblower operation and maintenance (O&M) contract from Network Rail, which owns, operates and

The Norfolk Southern Data Science and Engineering teams were presented with a 2023 Innovation-Driven Company award at the Technology Association of Georgia Technology Awards ceremony on March 29. (NS Photograph)

NS Takes Home Technology Innovation Awards

Norfolk Southern (NS) late last month was presented with 2023 “Innovation-Driven Company” awards from the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) for its rail wear predictive analytics and digital train inspection programs.

Conrail is receiving a $5 million grant from the NJDOT for its Garden State Secondary Fluidity Improvements-Phase 1 project. (Conrail Photograph)

MnDOT, NJDOT Award $35MM in Freight Rail Improvement Grants

The departments of transportation in Minnesota (MnDOT) and New Jersey (NJDOT) are investing $6.95 million and $27.8 million, respectively, in projects that will improve freight rail infrastructure.

Port Authority Shortlists Three APM Firms to Replace AirTrain Newark

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced March 23 that it has chosen three automated-people-mover system technology firms to move forward to the next step of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.

NJ Transit to Revitalize Historic Mahwah Station

NJ Transit is moving forward with plans to revamp its Mahwah train station and improve customer service.

BART Ridership Forecast Could Redefine South Bay Transit

One of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, carrying Bay Area Rapid Transit trains through downtown San Jose, is taking shape. Nevertheless, the number of passengers who will use the extension—and its future as a key component for regional transport—is becoming increasingly uncertain.

HDR Engineering

Texas MPO to Build Railroad Database, Identify Crossing Upgrades

In Texas, the Tyler City Council has authorized the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to enter into an agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to create a railroad crossing analysis and inventory for each rail line in Smith County.

Racine Railroad Products Announces Dominic DaPra Will Assume Leadership Role

Mt. Pleasant, Wis.–Racine Railroad Products President Steve Birkholz retired March 7, 2023 following more than 29 years of service to the company, serving as the President for more than 28 years. Dominic DaPra, previously Vice President at Generac Power Systems, succeed Birkholz as President. DaPra started with Racine Railroad on Dec. 5, 2022, to allow for an extended transition period.

Construction Begins on Metra’s Two-Year Homewood Station Project

Metra has begun a two-year construction project at its Homewood Station. The tunnel on the east side of the train station in suburban Homewood, Illinois, has been closed by the commuter rail system that serves Chicago and its suburbs.

PATH to Debut 9-Car Service on Newark-World Trade Center Line

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will begin the first phase of a massive expansion of PATH service along the Newark-World Trade Center line on March 23.

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