NYCT restores service following water main break

An early morning water main break at 13 St. and 5 Ave. in Greenwich village in New York flooded subway tunnels servicing the A, B, C, D, F and M lines with thousands of gallons of water causing service disruptions into the morning peak period affecting tens of thousands of subway riders.

NTSB preliminary report suggests speed was culprit of Metro-North crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its preliminary report regarding the Dec. 1, 2013, derailment of a Metro-North passenger train in The Bronx, N.Y.

Railroads subcommittee to examine challenges facing California HSR project

The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Denham (R-CA) will hold a hearing January 15 to examine challenges facing the California High Speed Rail project.

In Memoriam: John Hunsberger

John C. Hunsberger, II, manager of sales at Pandrol USA, died Jan. 10, 2014, following “a lengthy illness bravely fought.”

Boardman pushes for comprehensive surface transportation program

The guiding principle of a new federal surface transportation investment program must focus on national priorities, connectivity and economic growth, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said during a speech January 10 at the National Press Club.

Rep. Adam Smith introduces freight infrastructure bill

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA-9) has reintroduced the Freight Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2014 (FIRA), a bill he says will support improvements to infrastructure and transportation in the national freight mobility network.

CSX and customers developed 121 new or expanded facilities in 2013

In 2013, CSX and its customers worked together to develop 121 new or expanded facilities on the CSX rail network or its connecting shortline partners. These facilities represent $3 billion in customer investments and more than 1,600 new job opportunities at those facilities.

Pacific Imperial Railroad names SVP of corporate development

Pacific Imperial Railroad has named David Arganbright senior vice president of corporate development.

MassDOT unveils first draft of new five-year capital plan

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) released the first draft five-year MassDOT Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for FY2014-FY2018, a $12.4-billion program that will create growth and opportunity for residents across the commonwealth.

NS, Virginia agree to improve infrastructure for the return of Roanoke passenger service

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Norfolk Southern have entered into an agreement to improve rail related infrastructure between Lynchburg and Roanoke. The improvements will allow passenger rail to once again serve the Roanoke Region.

Giulietti named Metro-North president

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad President Howard Permut will retire January 31, Joseph Giulietti has been named his successor.

Request For Proposals issued for Azusa To Montclair section of Gold Line

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to Azusa to Montclair Engineering and NEPA Support Services, which calls for qualified teams to provide engineering and environmental consulting.

Vaughn named RTD FasTracks North Metro Rail Line project manager

Regional Transportation District (RTD) manager Ashland Vaughn will lead the construction of the RTD FasTracks North Metro Rail Line as the new project manager beginning January 12.

Keolis to begin operating MBTA commuter rail in July

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has entered into an agreement for a new commuter rail contract with Keolis Commuter Services.

LACMTA Blue Line undergoes $1.2 billion overhaul

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Blue Line is undergoing a $1.2-billion overhaul replacing power stations, overhead power lines, tracks, rail cars and improvements to station platforms in a multiyear investment to bolster reliability, comfort and safety.

Oregon Passenger Rail Leadership Council recommends alternatives for further study

At its December 17 meeting, the Oregon Passenger Rail Leadership Council made a recommendation to the Federal Railroad Administration on which rail route alternatives should receive more detailed study in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

HART says 2014 will be big year for rail construction

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) is welcoming the new year with construction ramping up along the alignment.

Koppers signs purchase agreement for Tolko Industries

Koppers Inc., has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire the crosstie treating business and related manufacturing facility of Tolko Industries Ltd., located in Ashcroft, BC, Canada.

Axion ships new order to European railroad for testing

Axion International Holdings, Inc., has shipped an order to a second European railroad for in track testing. The shipment includes 700 crossties and three switch sets and will be used on a narrow gauge passenger railway as part of their annual refurbishment and renewal program.

CTA Blue Line station to undergo $23 million in renovations

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board approved a $2-million plan to rehabilitate and improve the accessibility of the Blue Line’s Illinois Medical District station by making all three station entrances accessible to customers with disabilities and additional upgrades, using $23 million of city tax-increment financing funds made available through Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s “Chicago Neighborhoods Now” program.

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