INRD plans $17.5-million 2015 capex; focuses on bridges

The Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) released plans for a $17.5-million capital program in 2015 that will focus heavily on bridge projects, a trend it anticipates will continue in the future.

Tri-City Railroad Company names VP, COO

Tri-City Railroad Company hired John Miller as vice president and chief operating officer.

WSDOT seeks comment on PCC rail system plan

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks public input on a plan for prioritized improvements to the Palouse and Coulee City (PCC) Rail system in eastern Washington. Once finalized, the plan will be used to help develop future funding, policy and planning goals.

Senate bill to extend shortline tax credit introduced

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015, which would extend the shortline railroad track maintenance tax credit that expired in 2014.

NJ Transit awarded $147-million FTA storm relief grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded New Jersey Transit $147,086,000 through the Federal Transit Administration’s Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program for repair, recovery and resiliency projects associated with Superstorm Sandy.

Quebec government eyes purchase of eastern shortline

The Quebec government has laid out a plan to buy the Gaspé Railway Company line between Matapédia and Gaspé in the eastern part of the province. Ownership of the line currently belongs to four county municipalities that are served by the line.

CTA to begin Washington-Wabash station work as part of larger Chicago initiative

Chicago Transit Authority will soon begin construction on three major transit infrastructure projects as part of the new Loop Link initiative that will redevelop and modernize transportation from Union Station to Millennium Park. Included in the projects is a new Washington-Wabash CTA ‘L” station, which will begin construction in mid March.

FRA begins campaign to enhance grade-crossing safety

As part of its ongoing effort to improve safety at railroad grade crossings, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has begun a new, multi-faceted campaign aimed at strengthening enforcement and safety awareness at grade crossings.

NS names Squires to succeed Moorman

Norfolk Southern named James Squires chief executive officer, succeeding Wick Moorman. The action by the company’s board of directors is part of its planned succession process and will be effective June 1, 2015.

Met Council, Park and Rec Board agree to bridge for Kenilworth Channel SWLRT crossing

In Minneapolis, Minn., the Metropolitan Council and the Park and Recreation Board have reached an understanding on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line Extension) crossing of the Kenilworth Channel.

Harsco acquires Protran Technology

Harsco Corporation has acquired Protran Technology, which designs and produces safety systems for transportation and industrial applications. Protran will be operated as a unit of Harsco Rail.

BNSF plans $244 million in California, Kansas for 2015 capex

BNSF continues to detail plans for its $6-billion capital program with $141 million estimated to be spent in California and $103 million in Kansas.

Sound Transit experienced record ridership levels in 2014

Sound Transit set an all-time annual record in 2014 for boardings on its trains and buses. The latest numbers reported reflect an increase of more than eight percent over 2013, bringing average weekday boardings to more than 109,000 for 2014 and total boardings to an estimated 33 million.

BNSF outlines planned 2015 capex program for Oklahoma

BNSF‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Oklahoma will be an estimated $118 million for rail maintenance and capacity improvement projects.

MassDOT Board names DePaola interim MBTA GM

The Massachusetts Department of Transporations(MassDOT) Board of Directors voted unanimously to make Frank DePaola, currently serving as highway administrator and MassDOT’s chief operating officer, interim general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), effective March 4, 2015.

On heels of accidents, OLI reminds drivers to use caution at crossings

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), says recent high-profile grade crossing collisions in Oxnard, Calif., and Valhalla, N.Y., highlight the need for all drivers to use caution at every highway-rail grade crossing. OLI warns that rail safety is something everyone should take seriously.

Metrolink service resumes on Ventura County Line

In southern California, full Metrolink service on the agency’s Ventura County Line resumed Feb. 25 after a vehicle on the tracks was struck the morning of Feb. 24. 24 by Metrolink Ventura County train 102.

CTA to begin next phase of Wilson Station modernization in March

Starting in March, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin the next construction phase of the Wilson Station Reconstruction Project, which will require three-track operations in which southbound Red and Purple Line Express trains share a single track for part of their trips.

BNSF plans $265 million in Colorado, Montana for 2015 capex

BNSF detailed more of its plans for its record-setting $6-billion capital program with $124 million estimated to be spend in Montana and $141 million in Colorado.

GWI to acquire Freightliner Group

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. has agreed to acquire approximately 95 percent of the shares of Freightliner Group Limited (Freightliner) from Arcapita and other shareholders for cash consideration of approximately $755 million and to assume approximately $13 million in net debt and capitalized leases.

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