Hanson receives FAA exemption for drone flights
Hanson Professional Services Inc. has received an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration that allows unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operation.
Track Maintenance
Officials dedicate Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley rail extension
A dedication ceremony for the 91/Perris Valley commuter rail extension from Riverside to Perris, Calif., was held Dec. 11.
NYCT completes review of AC lines; identifies improvement areas
Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) has completed a full, end-to-end review of the A and C Lines, the fourth such comprehensive study joining previous reviews of the F, L and G Lines.
Metro-North hires chief safety officer
Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad named Justin Vonashek as the agency’s new vice president of system safety, where he will oversee all efforts to ensure the safety of its customers and employees as it continues to improve work practices and invest in new technology and equipment.
House passes S. 808; next stop: the President
The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 10, 2015 passed S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015, which among other provisions, will increase the number of STB members from three to five, improving STB’s structure and decision-making processes by allowing, with proper disclosure, board members to speak with one another about cases on which the STB is ruling.
PANYNJ agrees to work with partners on Trans-Hudson tunnel project
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners agreed to partner with the federal government in the development of the vital Gateway Tunnel Project by creating a development corporation to oversee construction of the massive passenger rail project and meet the future needs of hundreds of thousands of riders.
MBTA to cancel Green Line contracts, eyes restructuring project management team
Following a joint meeting of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB), MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola notified several firms working on the Green Line Extension project that the MBTA is acting to end their current contracts.
MetCouncil sends updated Blue Line Extension Project to municipalities for consent
The Metropolitan Council (MetCouncil) has approved an updated project scope and $1.496-billion cost estimate for the planned METRO Blue Line Extension LRT Project. The project, which now includes 11 stations, was recommended for approval at November’s Corridor Management Committee meeting.
Valley Metro to open Northwest Extension in March 2016
On March 19, 2016, Valley Metro will open its second light-rail extension on 19th Avenue in Phoenix, Ariz., giving more riders regional access to destinations across the Valley.
Atlanta approves long-range streetcar plan
On December 8, 2015, the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) received approval from the Atlanta City Council on the Atlanta BeltLine/Atlanta Streetcar System Plan (SSP).
NRC names two to board; announces safety award winners
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, Inc. (NRC), elected two new members to its board of directors and released the winners of the 2015 NRC/RT&S Contractor and Safety Awards.
Arizona Corporation Commission green lights grade separation project
The Arizona Corporation Commission approved an upgrade to a public railroad crossing at U.S. 60 and Bell in Surprise, Ariz. The application approves BNSF to remove the existing at-grade crossing and the construction of a new grade-separated crossing.
Minnesota state lawmakers tour proposed grade-separation site in need of funding
Members of Minnesota’s State Senate Capital Investment Committee joined leaders from Anoka County and the city of Coon Rapids to hear more about the need for a railroad overpass at Hanson Blvd. during a recent statewide bonding tour.
NCDOT, UNC Charlotte looking into railroad education offerings
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division is collaborating with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) on a rail workforce assessment study.
CTA approves Green Line West Track Renewal Project
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board has approved a $13-million contract for the Green Line West Track Renewal Project, a track improvement project on the Lake branch of the Green Line.
SEPTA prepares for old man winter
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has new tools at its disposal for the upcoming winter weather, such as high-velocity snow blowers and brining equipment, aimed at combating snowy and icy conditions. SEPTA says this equipment will play a key role in its efforts to minimize disruptions to customers resulting from winter weather events.
DRPT appoints new chief of rail transportation
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has named Peter Burrus chief of rail transportation, a newly created position.
CP sweetens deals; NS says “no” again
Canadian Pacific’s pursuit of Norfolk Southern has taken on the tone of a rough-and-tumble yet well-intentioned star athlete pulling out all the stops to capture the heart of his dream woman, a relationship-shy political science major who continues to resist her suitor’s advances with perfectly logical yet unemotional reasons why the two aren’t right for each other.
MTA reaches two milestones on East Side Access
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) says it has reached substantial completion of two contracts on East Side Access, the megaproject that will bring Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service to Grand Central Terminal.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger tours new Colo Railroad Builders facility
On Dec. 4, 2015, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member Colo Railroad Builders for a tour of its new facility in Minooka, Ill.