PUCO approves improvements at three crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) directing the installation of mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at rail crossings in Allen, Sandusky and Wood counties.

CHSRA finds California Rail Builders as the apparent best value

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has identified California Rail Builders as the apparent best value proposer for the design-build services contract for Construction Package 4, the next segment of construction through the counties of Tulare and Kern and the cities of Wasco and Shafter.

Ansaldo STS awarded LACMTA West Side Extension contract

Ansaldo STS was awarded a $31.5 million contract to design, furnish, test and commission a signaling and train control system for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) West Side Subway Extension.

KCS releases annual ‘state of the railroad’ report

In its 2015 state of the railroad report, released to employees on Jan. 4, 2015, Kansas City Southern (KCS) said the company will see many of the same challenges in 2016 that it faced in 2015, creating a “cautious” outlook for the year ahead.

WisDOT awards more than $31 million for freight rail projects

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) awarded more than $31 million in grants and loans for seven freight rail projects in the state. The goal of Wisconsin’s freight railroad assistance program is to increase the use of rail transportation and support economic development and job creation.

Details announced for proposed LIRR expansion

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled on Jan. 5, 2016 the second signature proposal of his 2016 agenda: a comprehensive plan to transform and expand vital infrastructure downstate and make critical investments in the region, including a major expansion and improvement project that would increase service on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) between Floral Park and Hicksville. Cuomo outlined these initiatives at an event in Nassau County, where Long Island Association President Kevin Law, MTA Chairman Thomas F. Prendergast and LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski joined him.

OLI names new president and CEO

Bonnie Murphy, a former commuter rail executive and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) official, will become President and CEO of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) in late January, OLI Board Chair Bill Barringer announced Jan. 5, 2016.

LACMTA looks back on rail initiatives of past year

As the third largest transportation agency in the nation, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is responsible for transporting millions of passengers safely and efficiently to their destinations every day. Additionally, the agency manages one of the largest public works projects in the nation with three major rail lines currently being constructed and another two rail extensions near opening.

USDOT reflects on 2015 research efforts

In a Fastlane blog post Dec. 31, Greg Winfree, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) assistant secretary for research and technology, recapped 2015’s research endeavors.

NYCT completes one station renewal, begins two more


Beginning December 28, F Line riders will have access to the newly refurbished Manhattan-bound platform at the Avenue X station in Brooklyn. The six-month station renewal project is part of a major $80.5-million capital project, awarded to Kiska Construction Inc. that will completely renew nine stations along the Culver F Line.

TEX Rail forges shared-use agreement

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) and representatives from Union Pacific, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Amtrak, Fort Worth & Western Railroad (FW&W) and Regional Rail Right-of-Way Co. on Dec. 28, 2015 signed a shared-use operating agreement for the TEX Rail commuter rail line, slated to begin service in 2018.

Metra recounts 2015

Metra says it has had an eventful 2015, with construction and trackwork projects being completed and launched, new safety awareness campaigns and an app, as well as many other accomplishments.

TranSystems welcomes Alex Houseal, PE

TranSystems has named Alex Houseal regional vice president for the Pennsylvania and New Jersey operations.

Union Pacific named to Victory Media’s 2016 Military Friendly Employers List

Union Pacific earned the Military Friendly Employer designation from Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, ranking sixth among the top 100.

NJ Transit names Martin interim executive director

The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors appointed Dennis J. Martin as interim executive director, effective Monday, December 28.

NS to idle Ashtabula coal pier

Norfolk Southern plans to consolidate operations of its coal docks located on Lake Erie in Northern Ohio, which will streamline operations for customers while improving network efficiency and reducing operating costs for NS.

TriMet close to completion on MAX crossing safety enhancements

This week in Portland, Ore., final installation of safety enhancements began at TriMet‘s MAX Orange Line crossings at SE 11th Ave.

Ansaldo STS awarded MBTA PTC contract

Ansaldo STS was awarded a $338-million contract from Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to furnish a complete positive train control (PTC) system on its entire commuter rail network.

B&P Tunnel DEIS released

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Amtrak and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the B&P Tunnel Project Dec. 18.

Sound Transit, LACMTA projects move forward with omnibus bill allocations

The passage of the Omnibus Appropriations bill late last week solidified funding for transit projects through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts/Small Starts program. Transit agencies, such as Sound Transit and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), are hailing the bill’s passage as progress for major transit expansion projects.

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