BNSF plans $189-million capital program on its Washington network

BNSF ‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Washington will be an estimated $189 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

University of Delaware conference aims to help railroads deal with big data

A railroad track geometry vehicle regularly collects a terabyte or two of data every month. How to store that much data is one challenge, but a much more pressing challenge is how to turn the raw material into useful information.

Caltrain Board authorizes release of electrification design build RFP

The Caltrain Board of Directors authorized the release of the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) Design Build Request for Proposals (RFP), which is the next step in the design and construction of the project to electrify the Caltrain system. Electrification, a $1.5-billion project, is expected to be operational late in 2020.

UP names Fritz president, CEO; plans $4.3 billion capital plan for 2015

Union Pacific‘s board of directors elected Lance Fritz president and chief executive officer, succeeding John Koraleski, who was named executive chairman, effective immediately. Fritz was also elected to the company’s board of directors. Fritz had been president and chief operating officer since February 6, 2014.

BNSF plans $326 million investment in Minnesota network

BNSF‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Minnesota will be more than last year’s investment with an estimated $326 million for key rail capacity improvement projects and a robust maintenance program.

CTA approved for $120-million TIFIA loan for Blue Line improvements

Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) has secured a $120-million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for major improvements to the Blue Line, which will upgrade tracks and stations between the downtown Loop and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

BNSF plans $226 million capital program in Nebraska

BNSF ‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Nebraska will be an estimated $226 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

Metro-North crews repair tracks, service returns to Harlem Line

Metro-North train service resumed on the Harlem Line February 5 for the first time since a collision February 3 between a passenger train and a vehicle near Valhalla Station in Valhalla.

LIRR plans Mid-Suffolk Yard expansion

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) opened the Mid-Suffolk Train Yard Information Center at Ronkonkoma Station so customers and community residents can learn about the LIRR’s proposal for enlarging its train yard in Ronkonkoma.

Construction kicks off for New Orleans streetcar project

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) officials, Mayor Mitchell Landrieu and city council members gathered Jan. 28 to kick off the construction on the 1.6-mile North Rampart Street/St. Claude Avenue Streetcar Project, which will connect the French Quarter and Treme to Canal Street and Loyola Avenue via the network of streetcar lines in the city.

Minnesota Gov. Dayton reveals plan to fix state infrastructure

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a plan to fix Minnesota’s aging transportation systems, which would invest $6 billion over the next 10 years to address the state’s highway funding deficit, invest $2.356 billion in local government transportation projects and provide $2.92 billion for Metro and Greater Minnesota transit systems. The Governor’s proposal would create an estimated 119,000 new jobs and build the infrastructure necessary to meet the demands of a growing population and an expanding state economy.

CFE takes on track project to improve freight congestion

The Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFE) is planning a track improvement project enabling 40-mph train speeds across the entire 315-mile rail line from Tolleston, Ind., to Crestline, Ohio.

TriMet operates MAX test train over Tilikum Crossing

For the first time, Oregon’s TriMet operated an electrified MAX test train on the northern segment of the new Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project alignment, including Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, on Wed., Jan. 21. A powered Portland Streetcar train also traveled across the bridge during the systems test.

Gov. Cuomo outlines goals for N.Y. infrastructure, wants train to LaGuardia

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo detailed his “2015 Opportunity Agenda” initiative, which includes a six-point plan outlining his vision to strengthen and modernize New York’s infrastructure, including an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport.

Sound Transit approved for $1.3 billion TIFIA loan for light-rail extension

Sound Transit has been approved for a $1.33-billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for construction of the East Link Light Rail Extension Project.

Metro-North says it will continue aggressive track maintenance plans through 2015

Metro-North is starting 2015 with rebuilding efforts and attention to major safety initiatives. The track improvements that defined 2014 are moving along and the railroad also expects continued progress as the last of the 405 M-8 cars are placed into service on the New Haven Line this spring.

BNSF details $6-billion capex plan; North Region will see $1.5-billion in work

BNSF announced plans for a $6-billion capital expenditure program in November and has revealed more details about where and on what the money will be spent.

TSB points finger at wheel climb at switch point for 2013 Alberta derailment

In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that a Canadian Pacific train derailed when a wheel flange struck and climbed a switch point and then fell between the switch point and the rail.

NCDOT, CSX to begin A-line crossover project

CSX, in partnership with North Carolina Department of Transporation, will begin construction on a series of projects to build universal crossovers on the CSX A-line in three eastern North Carolina locations: South Weldon, Enfield and Rocky Mount. Construction at the three project locations will include grading, drainage improvements, track and signal construction.

CSX sets 2015 capital expenditures at $2.5 billion

CSX Corporation had a lot of good news for investors during this mornings Quarter 4 2014 earnings conference call including record fourth-quarter 2014 net earnings. The railroad also unveiled that it will target a $2.5-billion capital expenditure program in the upcoming year. In 2014, the railroad targeted a $2.3-billion capital spend program.

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