Maintenance-of-Way Challenges: Automated tie inspection
Automated crosstie evaluation systems work toward removing subjectivity and improving accuracy of crosstie inspections.
ON Track Maintenance
High-speed rail grinding and metal removal
Controlling grinding speed allows for the amount of metal removal to be fine-tuned and results in improved effectiveness and utilization of grinding operations.
Crossing with the utmost care
Whether it’s a freight train, passenger train or a pedestrian crossing the rails, grade-crossing surfaces must be in tip top shape to provide a safe and smooth ride.
PUCO approves upgrade of five rail crossings across Ohio
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization for the installation of flashing lights and gates at five grade crossings in Crawford, Cuyahoga, Logan and Seneca counties.
Not quite the end of the line
To all my faithful readers, this will be the last monthly installment of “Chicago Perspective.” I thank you for giving me a platform for 13 years where my thoughts, opinions, theories and assessments of the industry have been allowed to flourish.
SEPTA schedules track renewal project for Route 34 trolley
Track renewal for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will take place on Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 42nd Street, 49th to 52nd Street, 54th to 55th Street and at the intersection at 58th Street.
Illinois to St. Louis HSR corridor enters final stage of construction
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are beginning the final phase of 2012 upgrades to Illinois’ signature high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed Amtrak trains.
WSDOT has funds available for freight rail projects
The Washington State Department of Transportation is accepting applications to receive state funding for freight rail projects in Washington that create family-wage jobs and demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of freight rail.
Santa Clara VTA awards railroad relocation contract
California Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors voted Thursday, June 7, 2012, to authorize VTA’s general manager to execute a $45,040,277 contract with RGW Construction, Inc., for the Mission/Warren/Freight Railroad Relocation (MWT) Program improvements.
FASTRACK returns to the NYCT’s Lexington Avenue Line
Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit is bringing FASTRACK back to the Lexington Avenue Line.
Port of Coos Bay preps for next phase of rail line rehabilitation
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay issued documents and is seeking bids for the 2012 Major Track Rehabilitation Project. This is the largest reconstruction phase to date related to the Coos Bay Rail Line rehabilitation.
BNSF plans $65 million capital program in New Mexico
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $65 million on track and rail capacity improvement projects in New Mexico this year.
CTA to rebuild 10-mile stretch of Red Line
The Chicago Transit Authority plans to take on one of the biggest CTA construction projects in CTA history: the complete reconstruction of the South Red Line from Cermak-Chinatown to 95th Street.
SANDAG begins construction on Sorrento to Miramar Double Track Project
The San Diego Association of Governments started construction on Phase 1 of the Sorrento to Miramar Double Track Project, one of 20 capital improvement projects now in development along San Diego County’s 60-mile segment of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor (LOSSAN).
BNSF to invest $80 million in Arizona track maintenance
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $80 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Arizona this year.
UP plans $19 million capital program in Colorado and Wyoming
Union Pacific is enhancing transportation infrastructure in Colorado and Wyoming by investing more than $19 million.
LACMTA begins advanced utility relocation work for Crenshaw/LAX light-rail
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has begun the advanced utility relocation work for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor construction project, which is the first contract awarded under LACMTA’s new Project Labor Agreement, a pact between LACMTA and the building trades to implement a targeted hiring program that will help provide jobs to economically disadvantaged workers.
KCS set to increase speed on segments of its Gulfport to Hattiesburg line
Kansas City Southern is set to increase train speed over some segments of its Gulfport to Hattiesburg, Miss., line. Effective June 8, speeds will move from 10 to 25 mph, but a 10 mph speed limit will continue through downtown Wiggins for the time being.
WMATA’s GM and CEO responds to NTSB report
On May 17, the National Transportation Safety Board issued three reports involving a derailment, rear-end collision and an incident where a hi-rail maintenance vehicle struck two wayside workers on Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority property.
Caltrans awards funds for California transit projects
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) awarded approximately $350 million in grants to improve public transit across California. An estimated 80 projects will upgrade transit service, purchase eco-friendly buses, modernize transit stations and create jobs throughout the state. The grants are funded through Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, which is providing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period to improve public transit in California.