KCS engineering forces complete four capacity enhancing projects

In the first part of 2014, the Kansas City Southern (KCS) Engineering and Maintenance of Way team completed four major projects allowing for capacity increases and greater operational efficiency.

Washington state seeks federal funds to rail rehab

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has applied for six Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants, which would improve highways, ferries and freight rail.

BNSF 2014 capital program progressing with Northern Corridor projects

BNSF has kicked-off its plan to invest approximately $1 billion to improve and expand rail capacity in states along its Northern Corridor, which spans the northern U.S. between the Pacific Northwest and Chicago. Some of the projects that will help expand capacity and improve traffic flow for all freight and passenger trains for current and future growth on those routes are well underway.

USDOT sends long-term transportation bill to Congress

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is sending a long-term transportation bill to Congress for consideration as the House and Senate face deadlines to avoid the economic uncertainty and job loss that would ensue if the Highway Trust Fund runs out of money this summer.

UP invests in Minnesota’s and Iowa’s transportation infrastructures

Union Pacific will strengthen Minnesota’s and Iowa’s transportation infrastructures by investing $17.5 million in the rail line between Butterfield, Minn., and near Mason City, Iowa. The project began April 8 and is scheduled to be completed by mid- July.

Metra plans grade-crossing work on Milwaukee Ave.

Chicago’s Metra will perform grade-crossing work on Milwaukee Avenue where it intersects with its Milwaukee North Line in Libertyville, Ill., from May 2-7.

Secretary Foxx visits Birmingham intermodal transit facility, Atlanta Beltline to promote transportation investment

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently visited construction of the future site of the Birmingham Intermodal Facility as part his “Invest in America, Commit to the Future” bus tour, calling it an investment in Alabama’s economic future

Charlotte authorizes $250 million for two LYNX Blue Line projects

Charlotte City Council has authorized $249.8 million for construction of LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) and Blue Line Capacity projects.

CTA plans to rebuild northern section of Red Line and parallel Purple Line

Chicago Transit Authority revealed the next step in its continued effort to modernize the Red Line. The first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) program, which will completely rebuild the northern section of the Red Line and the parallel Purple Line is expected to begin this fall.

MTA awards two East Side Access contracts

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded two contracts for the East Side Access project, the transportation megaproject that is connecting Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) customers to Grand Central Terminal.

Massachusetts awards grants for freight projects

Massachusetts awarded seven grants totaling $2.5 million for industrial rail projects as part of the 2014 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP), which is being matched by more than $1.9 million in private sector funds for a total $4.5 million investment.

Materials handling

Safety of employees continues to be top priority when it comes to materials handling equipment.

Overcoming obstacles: The Carlsbad Double Track and Bridge Project

Creating capacity within an existing infrastructure footprint can be a tricky task, but one the Carlsbad Double Track and Bridge Project succeeds in doing.

The real zeal behind railroad maintenance

While Reading & Northern may be smaller in size to other railroads, its employees are never short on enthusiasm, dedication and passion when it comes to maintaining its assets.

LIRR begins Long Beach Branch restoration project

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is starting a $120-million construction program designed to protect the LIRR’s Long Beach Branch from the kind of devastating damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Illinois to fund restoration of Chicago to Rockford Amtrak service

The state of Illinois will make a $223-million state capital investment that will create hundreds of jobs and restart Amtrak service between Rockford and Chicago beginning in 2015.

CTA readies for station renovation and Orange Line trackwork

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) next week will begin major work on the rehabilitation of the Harrison Red Line station and the Orange Line’s 18th Street Connector, as part of a larger $92 million transportation investment in the Near South Side.

CDOT receives FRA grant to help in flood recovery

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will receive a $1,656,401-grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to help restore the Great Western Railway that was devastated by severe flooding in September.

PUCO approves seven Ohio crossing projects

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved seven grade crossing projects in Columbiana, Defiance, Mahoning, Putnam, Seneca and Summit counties.

BNSF, Metra to begin tie and surface project along Illinois line

A major tie replacement and track resurfacing project will get underway during the last two weeks of April on Metra’s BNSF Line to Aurora, Ill. Metra said the project is part of an effort to maintain and improve the quality of service.

LOAD MORE