Amtrak/CSX Hudson Line deal to improve service, move projects forward

A long-term lease agreement between CSX Corporation and Amtrak has been made, enabling Amtrak to take full control of the Hudson Line between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

NCDOT awards safety improvement contract

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.9-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Fred Smith Co. of Raleigh, N.C., for a rail safety improvement project.

Phoenix Valley Metro names chief engineer

Phoenix Valley Metro in Arizona has hired Rick Brown as chief engineer/director of design and construction.

VIA Rail readies improvements to locomotives, frequencies and infrastructure

VIA Rail Canada has completed a number of projects, including additional frequencies and the introduction of a new service between Ottawa, ON, and Quebec City, QB.

WMATA studying ways to fight fatigue

On Thursday, Dec. 6, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board Safety and Security Committee will receive an update on fatigue research, including a key finding that recommends a methodical, comprehensive approach to the issue rather than solely considering the number of hours an employee works.

SEPTA names new assistant general manager of EM&C Division

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority promoted Robert Lund Jr., P.E., to assistant general manager of engineering, maintenance and construction.

CP defers Powder River Basin expansion plan

Canadian Pacific will take a fourth quarter pre-tax non-cash charge of approximately CA$180 million (US$181 million) on its option to build into the Powder River Basin (PRB).

Genesee & Wyoming expands role in Utica shale development

Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s (GWI) wholly owned subsidiary, The Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road Company (CUOH), has signed a long-term agreement to serve the $900-million natural gas liquids (NGLs) fractionation hub being constructed in Scio, Ohio,

CTA Red North Station Interim Improvement work more than 80 percent complete

On Friday, Nov. 30, Chicago Transit Authority Red Line trains resumed serving the Lawrence station, bringing the Red Line Interim Improvement Project to 80 percent complete.

Alabama to relocate rail line with federal funds

The Federal Railroad Administration has provided the city of Sylacauga, Ala., a $1.59-million Rail Line Relocation Grant to relocate East Alabama Railway and Norfolk Southern interchange tracks away from the downtown area.

Construction stay lifted on Port MacKenzie rail project

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on construction for Alaska’s Port MacKenzie Rail project Nov. 28 and indicated that the environmental groups’ court challenge to the project will not prevail.

Metrolinx unveils next wave of “Big Move” projects

In Toronto, ON, Canada, Metrolinx unveiled the next wave of projects drawn from “The Big Move,” the Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), that will continue Metrolinx’s ongoing transformation of the region’s transportation system.

Washington, Ohio to improve crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX to install modernized lights and gates with upgraded warning device circuitry at the interconnect of NS grade crossing (481-472X) and CSX grade crossing (518-247P) at Lincoln Avenue in the city of Columbus, Franklin County.

Norfolk Southern completes Pier 6 upgrades

Norfolk Southern has completed a major upgrade to its Lamberts Point export coal transload facility in Norfolk, Va.

Schuster named new T&I Committee chair

Rep. Bill Shuster was selected by the House Republican Conference to be the next chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Metrolinx signs agreements with Toronto, TTC

In Toronto, ON, Canada, Metrolinx has signed agreements with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the city of Toronto to improve public transit and ease congestion.

Siemens to acquire Invensys Rail

Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Invensys Rail, the rail automation business of Invensys for approximately €2.2 billion (US$2.9 billion).

Steel Dynamics Structural and Rail Division to expand rail production

Steel Dynamics, Inc., plans to install a heat-treating system at its Columbia City, Ind., Structural and Rail Division (SRD). When operational, the system will be capable of producing up to 350,000 tons of standard-strength and head-hardened plain, carbon steel rails for North America’s railroad industry.

USDOT awards $3.2 million to the state of Washington

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $3.2 million to the state of Washington to enhance capacity and improve reliability for intercity passenger and freight rail in the Pacific Northwest.

AREMA to sponsor design competition

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) will sponsor a design competition for students of architecture or building sciences as a means to introduce students to the professional opportunities in the railway and rail transit industry.

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