“Tampers and stoneblowers are track maintenance machines that make sure the track is correctly aligned and has a smooth level along the rail,” according to Network Rail. “They help to prevent the risk of trains derailing, and ensure smooth, comfortable journeys for passengers and freight trains. These machines generally work at night when no passenger trains are running.” (Network Rail Image)

Harsco Rail Lands Network Rail O&M Contract

Harsco Corporation on April 5 reported that its Rail division has been awarded a five-year, more than $130 million stoneblower operation and maintenance (O&M) contract from Network Rail, which owns, operates and

The Norfolk Southern Data Science and Engineering teams were presented with a 2023 Innovation-Driven Company award at the Technology Association of Georgia Technology Awards ceremony on March 29. (NS Photograph)

NS Takes Home Technology Innovation Awards

Norfolk Southern (NS) late last month was presented with 2023 “Innovation-Driven Company” awards from the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) for its rail wear predictive analytics and digital train inspection programs.

Conrail is receiving a $5 million grant from the NJDOT for its Garden State Secondary Fluidity Improvements-Phase 1 project. (Conrail Photograph)

MnDOT, NJDOT Award $35MM in Freight Rail Improvement Grants

The departments of transportation in Minnesota (MnDOT) and New Jersey (NJDOT) are investing $6.95 million and $27.8 million, respectively, in projects that will improve freight rail infrastructure.

Port Authority Shortlists Three APM Firms to Replace AirTrain Newark

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced March 23 that it has chosen three automated-people-mover system technology firms to move forward to the next step of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.

NJ Transit to Revitalize Historic Mahwah Station

NJ Transit is moving forward with plans to revamp its Mahwah train station and improve customer service.

BART Ridership Forecast Could Redefine South Bay Transit

One of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, carrying Bay Area Rapid Transit trains through downtown San Jose, is taking shape. Nevertheless, the number of passengers who will use the extension—and its future as a key component for regional transport—is becoming increasingly uncertain.

HDR Engineering

Texas MPO to Build Railroad Database, Identify Crossing Upgrades

In Texas, the Tyler City Council has authorized the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to enter into an agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to create a railroad crossing analysis and inventory for each rail line in Smith County.

Racine Railroad Products Announces Dominic DaPra Will Assume Leadership Role

Mt. Pleasant, Wis.–Racine Railroad Products President Steve Birkholz retired March 7, 2023 following more than 29 years of service to the company, serving as the President for more than 28 years. Dominic DaPra, previously Vice President at Generac Power Systems, succeed Birkholz as President. DaPra started with Racine Railroad on Dec. 5, 2022, to allow for an extended transition period.

Construction Begins on Metra’s Two-Year Homewood Station Project

Metra has begun a two-year construction project at its Homewood Station. The tunnel on the east side of the train station in suburban Homewood, Illinois, has been closed by the commuter rail system that serves Chicago and its suburbs.

PATH to Debut 9-Car Service on Newark-World Trade Center Line

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will begin the first phase of a massive expansion of PATH service along the Newark-World Trade Center line on March 23.

MxV Rail: Registration Now Open for 28th Annual AAR Research Review

MxV Rail announced March 20 that registration is now open for the 28th Annual Association of American Railroads (AAR) Research Review, which will take place in Pueblo, Colo., June 26-28, 2023, bringing together MxV Rail experts, leaders from Class I and short line railroads, university students, and suppliers from around the world.

Sound Transit CEO Pledges to Revamp Downtown Light-Rail Stations

New Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm recently announced that improvements, including security guards and cleaning teams, will be implemented this month.

CTDOT Preps for Track Improvements on Metro-North New Canaan Branch Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced that the agency expects track improvements to be completed on the New Canaan Branch Line this summer, informing passengers that all train service will be replaced by substitute bus service.

North County Transit’s Proposed Railroad Fence Awaits Decision More Than Two Years After Petition

More than two and a half years after the North County Transit District submitted its petition for a declaratory order regarding whether Del Mar gets a safety fence constructed along its 1.7 miles of blufftop railroad, the Surface Transportation Board has not yet provided a decision.

Metra

Durabook Computing Solutions to Supply Metra With Rugged Computers

Durabook, a provider of computing solutions, will supply Chicago’s Metra system with its rugged S15AB laptop computers.

Metrolinx Plans Weekend Work to Clear Path for Hazel McCallion Line

Metrolinx will soon have crews working on sewer and watermain installations, including relocations and upgrades, at the intersection of Hurontario and Dundas Streets in Mississauga in preparation for the Hazel McCallion Line’s infrastructure construction.

Ports of Indiana Commission Approves $20M in New Projects Amid Gains

Ports of Indiana handled 11.9 million tons of cargo in 2022, a 6% rise from 2021 and 42% more than in 2020. The year-end totals were announced March 9 at the Ports of Indiana’s first quarter commission meeting.

Women In Construction Week: Local 17 Journeyperson Details Her Sheet Metal Journey

Adrian Mobley of Boston, a local 17 sheet metal worker, took her time joining the trade. She attended college on a full soccer scholarship and worked as a nursing assistant for nine years before enrolling in the Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program.

CHSRA Provides 2023 Project Update Report, Cost Estimates Balloon

The California High-Speed Rail Authority recently released its 2023 Project Update Report in order to fulfill its biennial requirement to update the California Legislature on the development and implementation of intercity high-speed rail service.

Pennsylvania’s Joint Rail Authority to Invest $8.9M in Rail Projects

Central Pennsylvania’s SEDA-Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority recently announced it will invest $8.9 million this year to update more than 200 miles of track and infrastructure.

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