InnoTrans 2014: Largest ever
InnoTrans 2014 is shaping up to be the largest-ever of this biennial global railway trade show, which attracts close to 3,000 companies representing every railway discipline.
Track Maintenance
San Fernando Valley ban on light rail lifted
California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation, which will allow the installation of light-rail transit along the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Orange Line. The bill, authored by Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian, provides the flexibility needed to address the growing demands of public transportation in the Greater San Fernando Valley.
Ohio plans work on 11 crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved 11 highway-rail grade crossing projects in Hamilton, Hancock, Sandusky, Portage, Erie, Butler and Paulding counties.
DART readies new DFW Station
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) are making final preparations on the last segment of the Orange Line, which arrives at the new DFW Airport Station on August 18. Soon, the country’s longest light-rail system will connect to the country’s fourth-busiest airport, providing more transportation options for travelers.
Gripping fastening systems
Albeit tiny, fastening systems are important to railroads and transit systems worldwide, as they hold everything in place.
CSX completes maintenance jamboree
Earlier this month, more than 525 CSX employees worked to complete the company’s 2014 maintenance “Jamboree” on a section of its network in the Southeast, replacing about 68,000 ties and 200,000 feet of rail and completing nearly 120 miles of surfacing work.
Hudson Bay Railway reopens
The Hudson Bay Railway line reopened on July 5, 2014, with freight train 295 arriving in Churchill, SK, Canada, carrying supplies for the community after OmniTRAX Canada suspended service due to permafrost issues.
Sound Transit launches first Northgate Link TBM
The first of two tunnel boring machines (TBM) that will dig Sound Transit’s new twin light-rail tunnels from the Northgate neighborhood in Seattle to the University of Washington (UW) began mining July 9.
NJ Transit adopts FY15 operating and capital budgets
The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors approved a $2.019-billion operating budget that holds fares stable for the fifth consecutive fiscal year and a $1.203-billion capital program that supports continued investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair for Fiscal Year 2015.
INRD’s track investment results in faster train speeds
The Indiana Rail Road (INRD) is investing millions of dollars in private capital on the north end of its Indianapolis Subdivision this summer, which will result in faster, quieter-moving trains and smooth grade crossings.
All Aboard Florida unveils design for Fort Lauderdale station
Local Florida officials joined All Aboard Florida executives at the revealing of designs for the passenger service’s new Fort Lauderdale station, which was planned and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in association with Zyscovich Architects.
Expansion of rail unloading capacity at Port Metro Vancouver complete
Work to expand the rail unloading capacity of the West Coast Reduction facility at Port Metro Vancouver has been completed.
LACMTA makes recommendation for Purple Line extension contractor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) recommended awarding a $1.636-billion contract to design and build a 3.9-mile extension of the Purple Line subway from Wilshire and Western to Wilshire and La Cienega to a joint venture composed of three construction companies.
EDA awards funds to Indiana rail project
The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6-million grant to the city of Madison, Ind., to upgrade critical railroad infrastructure to support increased commerce.
GO Transit marks West Toronto Diamond grade separation progress
GO Transit’s West Toronto Diamond (WTD) continues its progress and marked a milestone in May when the east tunnel opened to rail traffic.
LACMTA signs Regional Connector contract; awards contract for double track design
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has signed a contract with a joint venture for the construction of the Regional Connector, as well as awarded a design contract for a Metrolink double track project.
MWAA issues Notice of Recommended Award for Silver Line
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on July 2 issued a Notice of Recommended Award to Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Chantilly, Va., to design and build the rail yard and maintenance facility for Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.
VIA Rail celebrates 100 years of Ocean service
VIA Rail Canada celebrated the 110th anniversary of its Ocean service July 2, which serves 26 communities between Montréal and Halifax.
UP to repair five crossings in Beaumont, Texas
Five railroad crossings will be closed within the next week in Beaumont, Texas, while Union Pacific crews make repairs; all closings are expected to last one day, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On July 3, repairs will be made at the crossing on Coburn Drive; on July 4, the crossing on Todd Street will see repairs; on July 5, the crossing on Langham Road will see repairs; on July 6, the UP crossing on Keith Road will be closed to through traffic for repairs and on July 7, the crossing on S. Major Drive will see repairs last.
Sen. Blumenthal plans to introduce rail safety legislation
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) plans to introduce legislation that he says will enforce and enhance rail safety.