OFF Track Maintenance
Robust design behind the Tanana River Bridge
Alaska’s longest bridge is designed to withstand floods, large debris, ice jams, road and rail traffic and just about anything else the wilderness can throw at it.
DEIS published for Sound Transit for Federal Way Link Extension
Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for extending Link light rail to Kent/Des Moines and, when funding is available, to Federal Way.
WMATA to return Red Line to automatic train operation
Following years of signal upgrades, independent testing and the closure of key National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations, Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority will return the Red Line to automatic train operation (ATO) on April 13.
Skanska awarded contract to rehab trio of Brooklyn stations
Skanska has signed a contract with Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) for the renewal of three train stations in Brooklyn, N.Y.
RLW named subcontractor for Skyway Bridge
Sterling Construction Company, Inc.’s subsidiary, Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC (RLW) was selected as a major subcontractor for a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Graham Contracting on construction of the Skyway Bridge for North Metro Rail in Denver, Colo. Construction of the 9,800-foot bridge is planned to begin in May 2015 and to take two years to complete. RLW’s portion of the project has a value of approximately $29 million.
Genova named RTD interim GM
The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) Board of Directors named David Genova interim general manager, succeeding Phillip Washington, who will resign April 15 to assume the helm of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Stand Up For Transportation Day” aims to spur support of federal transportation funding
Stand Up for Transportation Day, April 9, is an effort headed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) that aims to galvanize support of federal funding of America’s public transportation, roads, bridges and rail systems.
MBTA special panel calls for Fiscal Control Board to help fix “management failures”
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s special panel tasked with reviewing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) functions and practices outlined a plan of action to reform and improve the authority. The panel’s recommendations include creating a five-member Fiscal and Management Control Board, as well as the creation of one, five and 20 year spending plans after the group “uncovered massive structural and management failures that are on pace to bankrupt the system if left unchecked.”
INDOT, FRA move forward on accountability agreement for Amtrak Hoosier State Line
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reached an understanding of the clear lines of accountability for passenger rail safety and accessibility between Indianapolis, Ind., and Chicago, Ill., allowing Indiana to implement long-term improvements to the daily service.
Watco promotes one, hires another
Watco Terminal and Port Services has named Albert Perez II terminal manager at the Linden, N.J., location. In this role, Perez will be responsible for maintaining high-quality customer service, ensuring targeted profitability and supporting the overall attainment of expected performance goals. He will also coach his team and driving safety and operational efficiencies.
HRT supports Stand up 4 Transportation
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will host a special event April 9 with a coalition of business and political leaders to highlight the urgent need for Congress to approve long-term funding critical for Hampton Roads’ transportation infrastructure.
USDOT makes $500 million available for next round of TIGER
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making $500 million available for the seventh round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program.
Testing begins on RTD East Rail Line
The Regional Transportation District of Denver’s (RTD) first two commuter rail cars rolled onto the East Rail Line for their first trip from Union Station to Denver International Airport April 3. The rail cars were pulled along the new tracks from Union Station along the 23 mile-long route at a pace of roughly 10 miles per hour. This kicks off a year-long schedule of testing and commissioning prior to opening day in 2016.
New Tri-Rail Miami International Airport Station opens April 5
In southern Florida, Tri-Rail‘s new Miami Airport Station (MIA) will open April 5, as part of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC).
Canada extends Ontario passenger rail funding for three years
The Canadian government has decided to provide CA$5.3 million (US$4.2 million) over three years for the continued operation of the passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, ON.
Holland acquires The Bankhead Companies
Holland LP has acquired the operating assets of The Bankhead Companies, based in Atlanta, Ga.
MARTA seeks public input on major transit expansion project
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will hold three public meetings in April for Connect 400, a major transit expansion project that is advancing to the next phase of planning under the federal environmental review process.
IntegriCo expands operations into Louisiana
IntegriCo Composites plans to open its new manufacturing facility in Springill, La., July 2015. Engineering and equipment installation is underway today and is being managed by the Southland Process group out of Atlanta, Ga.
Amtrak named one of “America’s Best Employers”
Amtrak received a spot on the Forbes “America’s Best Employers 2015” list.