Annual crosstie report 2013

Crossties can be made from a variety of materials and all parts of the industry report strong growth in 2013.

The trials of track inspection

Automated track inspection is designed to help railroads tackle potential pitfalls, but what happens when track inspectors run into challenges?

A longview of shortline bridge maintenance

WSOR has developed a long-term structures maintenance program to extend service life where it can, while prioritizing replacement needs.

SFMTA begins construction of Central Subway stations, tracks and operating systems

Construction of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Central Subway‘s stations, tracks and operating systems has begun, extending the Muni Metro T Third Line underground.

SCVTA BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project named “Neatest Thing in 2013”

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project was voted “Best Example of Government Funding” and received an Honor Award for “Neatest Thing in 2013” by the Milpitas Post for its 23rd Annual Reader’s Choice Awards.

Southwest LRT: Shallow tunnels recommended along the preferred route in Minneapolis

Building shallow tunnels for light rail along the preferred route in Minneapolis is the most cost-effective solution and best long-term investment for the region, Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) green line extension planners said.

Detroit streetcar design and construction quality assurance contract awarded

The city of Detroit, Mich., awarded a contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff for design review and construction quality assurance services for the Woodward Avenue Streetcar Project.

BNSF’s capital plans call for New Mexico improvements

BNSF plans to invest an estimated $90 million on track and rail capacity improvement projects in New Mexico this year.

Raleigh’s Union Station to receive an additional $15 million

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has, for the first time, given written approval for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to amend the Piedmont Improvement Program cooperative agreement to provide the city of Raleigh an additional $15 million for the Raleigh Union Station project.

USDOT seeks comment on ways to strengthen, coordinate transit safety and asset management

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking public comment on the most significant regulatory step taken under FTA’s new transit safety authority.

NURail Center among USDOT grant winners

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) awarded approximately $63 million in grants to 33 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) to advance research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges facing our nation.

CN agreements return freight rail service to portion of Kelowna Pacific

CN plans to start freight service on approximately 75 percent of the rail network operated by bankrupt shortline Kelowna Pacific Railway Ltd. (KPR) in southern British Columbia after reaching trustee, customer and labor agreements that support resumption of operations.

Environmental Assessment complete, FONSI signed for Downtown Sioux Falls yard redevelopment

The Sioux Falls Rail Yard Redevelopment Project completed its Environmental Assessment with the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by the South Dakota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

UP performing maintenance on Illinois and Iowa line

Union Pacific will strengthen Illinois’ and Iowa’s transportation infrastructures by investing nearly $11 million in the rail line between La Fox, Ill., and Clinton, Iowa.

Amtrak begins second phase of Michigan track improvements

The second of three Michigan track improvement phases for the 2013 construction season begins between Jackson and Battle Creek on September 30 as part of the Accelerated Rail Program being carried out by Amtrak for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Power failure stalls Metro-North’s New Haven Line, repairs could take weeks

A failure in a Con Edison feeder cable resulted in a lack of electricity to power overhead wires along MTA Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line on Sept. 25. The railroad was forced to run limited service using diesel locomotives until further notice between Stamford, Conn. and Grand Central Station in New York City.

New Jersey awards 12 freight rail grants

Twelve grants totaling more than $12 million have been awarded through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) Fiscal Year 2013 Rail Freight Assistance Program, which helps support economic activity by preserving and improving the existing freight transportation system and by making freight rail service more widely available for businesses throughout the state.

UP plans $8 million for trackwork in Iowa

Union Pacific will strengthen Iowa’s transportation infrastructure by investing $8 million in the rail line between Lowden and near Blairstown.

CSX names Frulla VP-transportation for Northern Region

CSX has named Bob Frulla vice president of transportation for the Northern Region. Frulla succeeds Gary Bethel, who is retiring after 43 years with CSX.

Obama nominates former KDOT secretary for STB

President Obama has nominated former Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Deb Miller to the Surface Transportation Board, replacing Francis Mulvey, according to a report on the United Transportation Union‘s website.

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