HNTB adds rail leadership to N.C., New York and New Jersey offices
HNTB Corporation’s promoted nine in its New York and New Jersey offices and added a new hire in its North Carolina office.
Track Maintenance
Eurovia expands into Canada with acquisition of Rail Cantech
Eurovia has finalized the acquisition of Canadian rail contractor Rail Cantech.
Edmonton Valley Line LRT contract signed
A contract has been finalized between the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and TransEd Partners to finance, design, supply vehicles, build, operate and maintain the first phase of the Edmonton Valley Line Light Rail Transit project.
Proposed budget for FTA CIG program includes funding for 25 rail projects
President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget includes $3.5 billion to advance the construction or completion of 31 transportation projects in18 states, of which 25 are rail specific.
MTA to issue Green Bonds to help pay for infrastructure renewal
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will offer its first-ever Green Bonds to the public in a two-day order period starting February 17.
NRC names Rick Ebersold to the board
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has appointed Rick Ebersold, president of Herzog Services, Inc., to fill a temporarily open seat on the NRC Board of Directors. The NRC Board unanimously supported the nomination made by Chairman of the Board Chris Daloisio.
Canada helps fund GO Transit, SkyTrain station upgrades
Canada is helping to pay for improvements at two passenger stations in Ontario and British Columbia.
Automated People Mover is cornerstone to LAX upgrade
An Automated People Mover (APM) is a major part of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) upgrade project, which is part of the larger Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP).
Rep. Peterson tours PortaCo’s Moorhead facility
On Feb. 8 Rep. Collin Peterson’s (D-MN-7) Chief of Staff Allison Myhre and Economic Development Officer Toni Merdan joined representatives from PortaCo to tour the company’s Moorhead facility, learn about its various maintenance-of-way and railroad tools and discuss public policy priorities for the business and rail communities in western Minnesota. PortaCo employs 17 individuals.
FTA issues proposed rule for public transit safety plan
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a proposed rule for the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (Agency Safety Plan) and a notice of availability for the proposed National Public Transportation Safety Plan (National Safety Plan.)
Union Pacific crossing accidents down three percent in 2015
Union Pacific reports that in 2015 it reduced railroad-crossing accidents by three percent with a 2.28, which is the total number of Federal Railroad Administration reportable grade crossing accidents per million train miles.
MTA adopts community outreach plan for Canarsie Tube rebuild
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has developed a plan to engage in detailed community consultation on how to proceed with necessary repairs for the Canarsie Tubes, which carry the L train under the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Rep. Goodlatte tours Progress Rail’s Roanoke facility
On February 5, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-06) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association member company Progress Rail Services for a tour of its locomotive and rail car services facility in Roanoke, Va.
NYC mayor unveils Brooklyn to Queens streetcar proposal
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says explosive housing and job growth occurring along the Brooklyn Queens waterfront are placing ever-increasing demands on the area’s roads and public transit. New York City Mayor de Blasio believes that it is crucial to link this new development with the larger fabric of the city, which is why he has proposed the Brooklyn Queens Connector urban streetcar.
UP Board approves $3.75 billion 2016 capital plan
The Union Pacific Board of Directors approved the company’s 2016 capital plan of approximately $3.75 billion, down about $550 million versus 2015. The plan includes $375 million to further implement Positive Train Control.
RTD bench testing crossing signals for I-225 rail line
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver began off-site “bench testing” in January of train and traffic signals for at-grade crossings on the FasTracks I-225 Rail R Line.
LACMTA lays out plan to advance projects to “shovel ready” stage
In an action to move major rail, bus and highway projects closer to implementation, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) implemented a strategy to aggressively accelerate projects to help bring them to a “shovel-ready” state.
Former SFMTA and SCVTA CEO to lead Caltrain Modernization Program
Michael Burns, who retired as the chief executive officer for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) in 2014, will take the reins of the Caltrain Modernization Program, which the acengy called the most transformative project in the rail system’s 150-year history. Burns was appointed interim chief, Caltrain Modernization officer. He will begin his new role Feb. 8.
Construction on Metrolinx’s East Rail Maintenance Facility progressing
Officials with the province of Ontario say the construction Metrolinx‘s East Rail Maintenance Facility, which will support GO Transit’s planned service expansions including Regional Express Rail program, is well underway.
FRA gives go ahead to new BWI rail station
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the new Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) rail station. The project includes adding a fourth track to nine miles of the Northeast Corridor surrounding BWI and reconfiguring the platforms to allow boarding from all four tracks.