Eighth round of TIGER funding makes $500 million available

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will make $500 million available for transportation projects across the country under an eighth round of the successful Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program.

SamTrans names CFO

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) has hired Ilia Kay as chief financial officer (CFO).

GE awarded contract to power Tampa Aiport’s APM

GE has been awarded a contract to power up the Tampa International Airport Automated People Mover (APM) in Florida. The company will provide power equipment and be responsible for system integration, engineering expertise and installation of the traction power substation, which will provide around-the-clock delivery of power to the APM.

MARTA GM/CEO appointed to National Infrastructure Advisory Council

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker, has been appointed to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC).

Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx requests Finch West LRT bids from three companies

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx released a Request for Proposals to companies shortlisted to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West Light Rail Transit project (LRT).

Illinois Rail Crossing

FRA outlines nine projects to receive STEP grants

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded nearly $10 million in grants for nine projects in eight states to upgrade and increase the safety of railroad crossings along energy routes.

BNSF to focus on rail, ties and ballast in New Mexico

BNSF revealed more details about its planned 2016 capital expenditure program in New Mexico. The railroad said the $100-million plan is focused on projects that help ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable network and reflects the success BNSF has had in adding capacity in prior years to support customer demand.

CHSRA draft plan reduces cost; prioritizes north segment

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released the Draft 2016 Business Plan, a foundational document for implementing the California High-Speed Rail program that reflects the transition from planning to construction to providing passenger service. Overall capital costs are reduced from $67.6 billion to $64.2 billion.

Rep. Mooney tours Appalachian Timber Services

On Feb. 17, U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV-02) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member company Appalachian Timber Services (ATS) for a tour of its facility in Sutton, W.Va.

BNSF to spend $130M on Minnesota capital program

BNSF’s 2016 capital expenditure program in Minnesota will be an estimated $130 million, which focuses on maintenance projects that help ensure the railroad continues to operate a safe and reliable network.

VP Biden tours Port of New Orleans Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal

Vice President Joe Biden toured the Port of New Orleans’ new Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal before making remarks commemorating the seventh anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in Louisiana.

Combined FEIS/ROD issued for Durham-Orange light-rail project

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has signed the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) for the proposed Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project, which concludes the environmental review phase under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

HNTB names new associate vice president in Massachusetts

HNTB Corporation promoted Ali Tali, PE, to associate vice president. He currently serves as structural department manager in the firm’s Massachusetts office.

BNSF plans $220M capital program for Washington state

BNSF‘s 2016 capital expenditure program in Washington state will be nearly $220 million. This year’s plan is focused on maintenance projects that help operate a safe and reliable network and will bring capital investments more in line with forecasted customer freight service demand.

Anacostia names new president for Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Todd Bjornstad, formerly the general manager of the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCP&E), has been named president of the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad Company (CSS), effective March 1, 2016, succeeding Andrew Fox.

Two LACMTA rail projects receive federal appropriations

The U.S. Department of Transportation plans to award $300 million to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for two major rail projects in Los Angeles County.

Former Secretary of Transportation and UP Chairman Drew Lewis dies at age 84

Andrew Lindsay Lewis Jr., who served as Union Pacific Railroad chairman and chief executive officer from April 1986 to April 1987 and as Union Pacific Corporation president and chief executive officer from 1987 to 1997, passed away Feb. 10, at age 84.

The success of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge rehab project

All parties involved in the recent reconstruction of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge agree that a focus on scheduling and coordination helped the project finish on time and on budget with no major injuries reported.

Kansas DOT approves preliminary engineering of Great Bend shipping facility

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has given the go-ahead for preliminary engineering for a transload shipping center at Great Bend, Kan., which will be built west of Great Bend at the airport.

HNTB adds rail leadership to N.C., New York and New Jersey offices

HNTB Corporation’s promoted nine in its New York and New Jersey offices and added a new hire in its North Carolina office.

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