New study analyzes condition of Washington state’s shortline railroads; repair costs

According to a recent study by the Washington Department of Transportation and the Washington State University Freight Policy Transportation Institute, more than half of the state’s shortline rail miles aren’t up to modern standards.

Canada commits funds to VIA Rail’s Ottawa-Montreal corridor infrastructure improvements

The Canadian government plans to invest CA$102 million (US$77 million) over a two-year period to support several infrastructure projects that will increase the safety and efficiency of VIA Rail Canada‘s Ottawa-Montreal rail corridor for travelers.

SFMTA begins service along E Embarcadero streetcar line

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launched the E Embarcadero (E Line) streetcar line, offering a single-seat ride from AT&T Park and the Caltrain station to Fisherman’s Wharf and the northeast waterfront.

Ontario to increase GO capacity on Lakeshore Lines

Ontario is partnering with the Canadian government to help to ease congestion at key crossings along the Lakeshore East and West GO Transit corridors by building new road-under-rail grade separations in Scarborough and Halton Region.

P&L engineers ratify new deal

United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (UTU-SMART)-represented engineers employed by Paducah and Louisville Railway ratified a new five-year agreement.

Union Pacific elects Lance Fritz chairman of the board; places executives in new roles

Union Pacific‘s board of directors elected Lance Fritz chairman, president and chief executive officer, effective October 1.

MassDOT appoints new leadership team

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) named Brian Shortsleeve chief administrator for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), working alongside the newly appointed Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) and named Jeff Gonneville, a 14-year veteran of the MBTA, chief operating officer.

N.D. Public Service Commission, FRA sign agreement for state railroad safety program

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) signed an agreement with the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) to implement a state Railroad Safety Program.

Caltrain electrification project gets $20 million boost from Air District

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Board of Directors approved the allocation of $20 million dollars to help fund the electrification of the Caltrain corridor.

TransLink begins three SkyTrain station improvement projects

TransLink is in the beginning stages of upgrades to three SkyTrain stations in Vancouver, British Columbia, to improve accessibility, capacity, safety and security. Construction work began at Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway and New Westminster stations this spring.

NS joins Operation Lifesaver for safety tour across the Carolinas

Norfolk Southern brings its Whistle-Stop Safety Train to the Carolinas this week to remind motorists and pedestrians to be safe and alert when around railroad tracks and trains.

Two crossing projects receive Asia-Pacific Gateway infrastructure funds

Transport Canada has made an investment of approximately CA$16.5 million (US$12.6 million) for nine Asia-Pacific Gateway transportation infrastructure projects in British Columbia that support Asia-Pacific trade and boost the competitive advantages of Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway, of which two are railroad crossing projects.

SacRT to open Blue Line extension in late August

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) plans to open the new Blue Line to Cosumnes River College (CRC) light-rail extension August 24. The transit district says the project is ahead of schedule and under budget.

Union Pacific safety outreach results in 11 percent improvement in public safety rate

Union Pacific says its persistent community safety outreach efforts are driving down incidents at grade crossings in communities across the company’s 23-state rail network.

FRA provides funds for Midwest, Southeast passenger rail planning

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is allocating $ 2,780,651 for multi-state passenger railroad planning in both the Southeast and Midwest regions.

MTA Chairman’s letter to NYC mayor urges increased capital support

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast sent a letter July 28 to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio asking for more capital support.

WMATA celebrates first year of Silver Line

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) celebrated the first year of Silver Line service from Largo Town Center to Wiehle-Reston East July 27.

Iowa Pacific Holdings using RailComm dispatch system on six US properties

Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) recently selected RailComm’s computer-aided dispatch system to operate six of its railroads located in U.S.

HNTB adds Thompson as principal tunnel engineer

HNTB Corporation hired Jimmy Thompson as principal tunnel engineer in its national tunnel practice out of its Oakland, Calif., office. Thompson has 30 years of experience in the design and construction of large infrastructure projects and specializes in tunnels and underground facilities.

MTA gives preliminary approval of two CBTC contracts

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) gave preliminary approval to two contracts totaling $205.8 million to Siemens Industry Inc. and Thales Transport & Security for the installation of a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system on the Queens Boulevard Line.

LOAD MORE