GREX hires director business development
Georgetown Rail Equipment Co. (GREX) hired Gregory Bilhartz to serve in the newly-created position of director, business development.
OFF Track Maintenance
Watco completes purchase of Ann Arbor Railroad, names Alabama Southern GM
Watco Railroad Company Holdings, Inc., (Watco) purchased Ann Arbor Railroad, Inc. (AA). On Dec. 27, 2012, a Notice of Exemption was filed with the Surface Transportation Board for Watco to purchase the railroad company’s stock. The acquisition of Control Exemption became effective on Jan. 26, 2012.
TEX Rail Environmental Assessment released for review
In Texas, the TEX Rail Environmental Assessment (EA) document is available for review, which presents an environmental analysis of changes to the project, since the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was completed.
TCRC-MWED ratifies agreement with Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (CP) and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference – Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC-MWED) ratified a five-year collective agreement.
CTA ridership hits 22-year high
Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) ridership in 2012 grew to its highest annual total in the past 22 years, rising 2.4 percent to 545.6 million rides for the year.
LaHood stepping down as Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is stepping down and will not serve a second term.
Wisconsin TEA grants to fund two rail projects
The city of Fond du Lac, Wis., is being awarded a Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant. The $600,000-award represents the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDot) contribution toward rail improvements to serve McNeilus Steel’s expanding facility in Fond du Lac.
New Orleans streetcar line opens
The Loyola Avenue-Union Passenger Terminal Streetcar Line in New Orleans, La., is now open. The new line extends transit service to the French Quarter, the Superdome and downtown jobs and is already attracting new business and residential development to the area.
Ohio utilities commission approves eight rail upgrades in Montgomery County
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern to upgrade eight grade crossings in the city of Miamisburg in Montgomery County.
Norfolk Southern plans $2 billion for 2013 capital investment
Norfolk Southern plans to spend $2 billion in 2013 for capital improvements to its rail transportation network.
Gov. Patrick highlights commitment to South Coast Rail
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick joined state and local leaders in New Bedford, Mass., to highlight the administration’s commitment to South Coast Rail as a key component of an investment plan to grow jobs and expand economic opportunity.
Wong-Harris to manage CHSRA’s Central Valley construction
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board of Directors selected PGH Wong Engineering, Inc., and Harris & Associates to provide additional oversight and management of contractors who will build the initial 30-mile stretch of high-speed rail from Madera to Fresno, Calif.
NCRR names VP of engineering
North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) hired Jim Kessler, PE, as vice president of engineering and planning.
SMART approved for $12.5 million in regional funds
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approved a $12.5-million award in regional transportation funding for Phase 1 of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) project in California.
Port Metro Vancouver receives funds for Deltaport Terminal project
The Canadian government is contributing up to CA$19.9 million (US$19.73 million), through its Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative for a CA$45-million (US$44.6 million) overpass on the Deltaport Causeway, part of Port Metro Vancouver’s Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project.
Alabama State Port Authority advances Port of Mobile intermodal rail facility
The Alabama State Port Authority’s Board of Directors approved two measures that will bring the port’s new intermodal rail facility closer to reality.
Three LACMTA subway stations renamed
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors approved the name changes of three subway stations.
CSX plans $2.3 billion capital investment for 2013
CSX plans to invest approximately $2.3 billion in its business in 2013 supporting initiatives to help meet long-term demand for freight rail, improve customer service and further the company’s plans for long-term profitable growth.
WMATA unveils “Momentum” plan for growth
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) presented the Board of Director’s Governance Committee with a staff draft of the authority’s strategic plan, called Momentum, which defines the next generation of WMATA.
Denver RTD ends West Line construction, plans to refinance to accelerate North Metro Rail construction
The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) celebrated the completion of the West Rail Line construction Jan. 23 with lighting the 6th Avenue Bridge, which signifies the start of the countdown to the grand opening of the West Rail Line on April 26.