High temperatures have SEPTA continuously monitoring rail, power lines

The heat wave that is smacking the Philadelphia area has SEPTA making repeated inspections on its track.

MBTA

MBTA completes 12-day full-access closure on Green Line C branch

As part of the MBTA’s Capital Programs, the Capital Transformation team has successfully completed the 12-day full-access closure on the Green Line C Branch, delivering critical safety and dependability improvements across the branch.

ENSCO Rail to supply track inspection vehicle for UAE’s first railway network

ENSCO Rail, Inc., announced on July 21 that Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, awarded the company a multi-year contract for a track inspection vehicle to assist in the building of the UAE’s first freight and passenger railway network.

Watch: Train derails in Michigan, some cars end up in ditch

A train derailed in Alpena Township, Mich., on July 21.

Temps on rails in Dallas hit 150, forcing DART trains to slow down

Intense heat is covering much of the U.S., and it is forcing a cool down in terms of train speeds.

Union Pacific maintenance vehicle struck by Amtrak train

Service on Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor was shut down for nine hours Friday after a Union Pacific front-load tractor was struck by a Capitol Corridor train.

Look: Heavy rain cripples MTA, Metro North rail lines, but crew response is swift

Hundreds of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) frontline workers were out in the system on July 18 responding to heavy rainfall during the rush hour commute.

MBTA makes prompt response to FTA safety concerns

On July 14, the MBTA reported on its progress to address ongoing safety concerns raised during a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Safety Management Inspection (SMI) last month.

Watch: From power drills to locomotives, tech is making work easier and safer on Union Pacific

Advances in technology have always moved the railroad forward.

Artificial intelligence, LiDAR will help form proactive track maintenance system for MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will soon decide on which technology it will turn to in regard to its Signaling Challenge Initiative.

Canada takes steps to prevent punishment from extreme weather, fire events on the rails

Transport Canada is taking action to further improve the safety and security of Canada’s rail system, especially in light of the impacts of climate change and severe weather on railway operations.

Rail Ties from Koppers

Koppers presents annual Zero Harm President’s Award to Muncy, Pa., facility

Koppers recently presented the annual Zero Harm President’s Award to its Muncy facility in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in recognition of its best-in-company performance as measured in safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation.

MTA project announcements and updates

The New York City region’s Metropolitan Transit Authority has kicked off several projects recently in order to maintain their infrastructure in a state of good repair and to add some new service. Here are three of the rail projects the agency is working on.

MxV Rail and the Global Center of Rail Excellence enter knowledge sharing agreement

MxV Rail (formerly TTCI) and the UK’s Global Center of Rail Excellence (GCRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to advance rail technology and innovation worldwide.

Red Line Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line improvement work to take place July 16

The news wire has been filled with reports about transit systems substituting bus service for rail service so that repair, replacement, and upgrades can be completed on rail transit lines. The MBTA has announced another project where buses will replace trains while work is being done.

Canadian National

Canadian National to invest more than $110 million in rail network in Minn., Miss.

Canadian National continues to announce rail maintenance plans for its network.

SEPTA board approves fiscal year 2023 operating & capital budgets

SEPTA’s board has approved operating and capital budget proposals for fiscal year 2023, advancing plans to fund everyday operations and major improvement projects.

Canadian National will make upgrades to track, bridges in Tennessee

Canadian National has announced it plans to invest approximately $30 million in Tennessee in 2022.

Bells & Whistles—Gas tax holiday could break funding for rail industry

The top news stories RT&S was covering the week ending June 24.

Does President Biden have the support to suspend the gas tax?

President Biden is calling on Congress to freeze the federal gas tax for three months right when funding from his massive infrastructure bill was starting to grow legs.

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