CTA 2014 budget approved
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board unanimously approved a balanced $1.38-billion budget that freezes fares and preserves service levels while continuing the agency’s investment in projects and programs.
Track Maintenance
TriMet begins pedestrian safety upgrades along MAX Blue Line
The first in a series of pedestrian safety improvement projects along TriMet‘s Eastside MAX Blue Line in Portland, Ore., is underway, kicking off the pedestrian safety element of the Renew the Blue program.
Siemens, Bombardier awarded contract for PTC work on LIRR and Metro-North Railroad
Siemens Rail Automation, in a consortium with Bombardier Transportation, has been awarded a contract, not to exceed $428 million including all phases and options, by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to upgrade train control systems on two passenger lines.
UP to perform improvements on Nebraska line
Union Pacific will strengthen Nebraska’s transportation infrastructure by investing $2.4 million in the rail line between South Morrill and Joyce, Neb. The project began on November 7 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.
Plans for Erie Rail Terminal revealed
The Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation (GEIDC) has plans for a new intermodal facility in Harborcreek Township, Erie County, Pa.
NCDOT hosts planning forum centered on rail’s role in state
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division hosted a Rail Planning Forum in Chapel Hill November 12 focused on the role that rail transportation plays in the continued growth of North Carolina’s economy, key industries and its overall quality of life.
Belt Railway of Chicago ratifies UTU SMART Transportation Division agreement
United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (UTU-SMART) members of General Committee of Adjustment GO 065 employed by Belt Railway of Chicago (BRC) recently ratified a new agreement governing their rates of pay and working conditions, according to SMART Vice President John Lesniewski.
Metrolinx awards second Crosstown Project tunnel contract
The Metrolinx Board of Directors in Toronto, ON, Canada, has approved the award of the Eglinton Crosstown East Tunnel construction contract from Yonge Street to just east of Brentcliffe Road.
Gannett-Fleming’s McNamara named to Penn State Altoona’s Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) Advisory Board
Michael McNamara, P.E., president of Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems, has been named to Penn State Altoona’s Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) Advisory Board.
Holland LP’s MOW Group undergoes organizational changes
Holland LP made organizational changes within its MOW division, which the company says was needed in orderto achieve the growth needed to reach established company goals.
ODOT selects CTC to continue preemption projects
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has selected CTC Inc. (CTC) to continue to progress the state’s railroad preemption projects.
NYCT wraps up FASTRACK maintenance on Grand Concourse
Last week, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit’s (NYCT) FASTRACK maintenance program came to the Grand Concourse Line with hundreds of subway maintenance workers going into tunnels and stations to complete repairs ranging from clearing track drains to replacing worn sections of rail.
Officials celebrate opening of revitalized CTA Loyola Red Line Station
Officials gathered to celebrate the opening of the renovated Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Loyola Red Line station November 8. The collaborative $17-million project included station and track infrastructure upgrades, a reconfigured pedestrian crossing and a new open-air community plaza adjacent to the station.
The T celebrates 30 years of service
The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) in Texas celebrated its 30th Anniversary on November 8.
Evergreen Line’s TBM in route
The massive Evergreen Line tunnel boring machine (TBM) is on its way by rail and truck to Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada from the manufacturer in Ontario.
Vice President Biden pushes infrastructure investment during CSX Northwest Ohio Terminal visit
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx visited CSX‘s Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal in Wood County on November 6.
Gov. O’Malley, Maryland BPW approve Purple Line P3
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and members of the Board of Public Works (BPW) have approved the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) plan to deliver the Purple Line through a Public Private Partnership (P3).
Canadian minister of Transport talks safety while marking National Railway Day
Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt marked November 7 National Railway Day, which commemorates the day the last spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway at Craigellachie, British Columbia in 1885, by placing an emphasis on industry safety.
ARRC names Engebretson COO
Alaska Railroad Company (ARRC) named Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) Doug Engebretson as chief operating officer (COO), a position left vacant when former COO Bill O’Leary was promoted to president & CEO on November 1. Engebretson’s promotion is effective November 8.
Amtrak names CFO
Amtrak has named Gerald Sokol, Jr., as its new chief financial officer (CFO), reporting directly to Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman, effective December 3.