NS names Adams VP of human resources

Norfolk Southern has named Ann Adams vice president human resources, succeeding Juan Cunningham, who retired earlier this year. Her appointment becomes effective April 1, 2016.

Work continues on NYS&W service restoration in New York

The Rail Revitalization Project begun by the Chenango County Industrial 
Development Agency (CCIDA) in 2011 will mark a major milestone March 23, when 
Frontier Railroad Services, LLC, begins removing brush and other 
obstacles along the 45.5 miles of New York Susquehanna and Western (NYS&W) rail right-of-way in
 Chenango County, N.Y.

MTS approves $108 million capital improvement program

In another step toward keeping San Diego’s transit system in a state of good repair, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors on March 17, 2016 unanimously approved $108 million for the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Sound Transit ULink extension between UW and Seattle now open

On March 19, some of Washington state’s most congested areas began a new era of mobility as Sound Transit opened the University Link light-rail extension, with eight-minute rides between the University of Washington and downtown Seattle.

NYCT plans crucial rebuild of M Line

Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA NYCT) is preparing to rebuild two crucial sections of the M line in Brooklyn and Queens in order to ensure that two decades-old deteriorating overpasses remain safe for travel.

Valley Metro celebrates light-rail extension opening

The Valley Metro $327-million, 3.2-mile Northwest Extension opened on March 19 ahead of schedule and on budget after more than two years of construction.

Norfolk Southern expanding Norfolk HQ to accommodate 165 additional employees

Norfolk Southern is investing $8.2 million to expand its corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Va., to accommodate 165 new employees. The expansion and new jobs are the result of the consolidation of the company’s corporate offices in Norfolk and Atlanta, Ga., and the closure of its Roanoke, Va., office building.

New head of subways named for NYCT

New York City Transit (NYCT) Acting Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways Wynton Habersham has been appointed to the position permanently. He is responsible for planning, directing and controlling the subway and its safe operation.

Rail service returns following WMATA shutdown

Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA) has restored service following an unprecedented full closure of the system March 16 for emergency inspections of the system’s third-rail power cables.

FRA redesigns crossing and trespassing website to increase safety

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) launched a redesigned website to serve as a one-stop shop to help drivers, pedestrians and law enforcement stay safe around the nation’s more than 200,000 railroad crossings and 140,000 miles of track.

OmniTRAX Logistics expands service territory in 2016

OmniTRAX Logistics Services, LLC (OLS) is rapidly expanding its service territory throughout the United States in 2016. OmniTRAX, Inc., is promoting the unit’s growth with the launch of a new website at www.myshippingmadeeasy.com . OLS, which provides a full range of transportation and handling services, built the website to accentuate the company’s “We Make Shipping Easy” slogan.

Metrolinx selects CH2M to provide program management services for Next Wave Rapid Transit Projects

Metrolinx has selected CH2M for its Next Wave Rapid Transit Projects – Consultant Services for Program Management Services contract.

GE Transportation’s Digital Solutions bets big on Chicago

GE selected Chicago to be a core hub of its growing digital ecosystem and the company says it will provide deep investments to further advance its digital strategy.

Fire prompts shutdown of full WMATA rail system for inspection

A major electrical cable fire in a tunnel just outside the Washington Metro McPherson Square station early Monday, March 14, 2016 has led to the entire Metrorail system shutting down for a 29-hour period beginning March 16 at 12:00 a.m. for emergency safety inspections of third-rail power cables.

Study says HSR tunnels could hold lessons for California system

High-speed rail construction projects have frequently required long tunnels to reduce travel time and distance. With the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) considering a 16-mile long tunnel along the Palmdale to Burbank project section, the Mineta Transportation Institute looked into similar tunnels already constructed around the world.

FTA issues final rule on state transit safety oversight

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a final rule that it says strengthens state safety oversight and enforcement authority to prevent and mitigate accidents and incidents on rail transit systems.

Metra plans 45 safety blitzes for the year

Chicago’s Metra will conduct Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at 45 train stations across the six-county region in 2016 as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks.

Redlands Passenger Rail Project enters final design

The San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Redlands Passenger Rail Project in Highland, Calif., is now in the Final Design Phase. The project is expected to drive and support the growth of the local economy while attracting and retaining businesses and employers.

TRB accepting proposals for Rail Safety IDEA Program

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is accepting proposals for the Rail Safety IDEA Program, which supports the development and testing of innovative concepts and methods for improving railroad safety or performance. Rail Safety IDEA proposals are due Sept. 15, 2016.

WSDOT begins track, signal improvements at King Street Station

Construction began March 11 on track and signal improvements at the King Street Station in Seattle, Wash. The work is part of the $50.4-million King Street Station Track Improvements project overseen by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

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