RailWorks appoints new leader of U.S. track operations
RailWorks Corporation has named John Young executive vice president with responsibility for the company’s U.S. track operations.
Track Maintenance
Watco appoints three to new positions
Watco Transportation Services (WTS) appointed Jason Cathey to safety director. He will be responsible for managing the Safety Department Training and QA programs, assisting with incident reporting and statistics record keeping and leading WTS safety initiatives supporting safe work practices among WTS locations.
FEIS issued for Fresno to Bakersfield high-speed train
A Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIR/EIS) for the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (CHSRA) Fresno to Bakersfield section of the project is now available.
Three named to top Metro-North operations posts; substation upgrade begins
Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad has named three to top leadership positions.
Protran Technology receives TRB grant to develop rail break/buckle warning technology
Protran Technology has been awarded a grant by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) to develop and test the Intelligence Rail Integrity System (IRIS) to give advance warning of rail buckling and breaks,
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.
TriMet unveils name of Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Bridge: Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People
The TriMet Bridge Naming Committee unanimously selected “Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People” for the name for the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Bridge, which will be the first cable-stayed bridge for the region, extending 1,720 feet over the river.
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.
LACMTA staff recommends design-build contractor for Regional Connector
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) staff has recommended a $927.2-million design/build contract be awarded to Regional Connector Constructors (a Joint Venture between Skanska USA Civil West California District, Inc., and Traylor Bros. Inc.) to build the Regional Connector project.
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.
Canadian government’s subsidy to CN for Algoma Central Railway operation extended a year
The government of Canada will extend its CA$2.2-million (US$2-million) federal subsidy to Canadian National for the operation of the Algoma Central Railway (ACR) passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, Ontario, until March 31, 2015.
Ontario commits transit funds to keep “Moving Ontario Forward”
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says the government is planning to build a seamless and integrated transportation network across the Canadian province with its “Moving Ontario Forward” plan, which will create jobs, boost productivity and help Ontario grow and prosper.
SEPTA to hold FY 15 budget hearings for residents
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will hold the first of a series of hearings on the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan on April 16, in Doylestown. The hearings will provide riders and other residents an opportunity to ask questions and submit comments on the spending plan.
Military Times EDGE names UP Best for Vets Employer in 2014
Military Times EDGE named Union Pacific among the Best for Vets 2014 Employers. Union Pacific’s number five ranking marks the fourth consecutive year the railroad has been in the top 10.
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.