MARC Halethorpe Station opens

The MARC Halethorpe Station in Maryland is open after a two-year, $32.7 million reconstruction project.

Wachusett Rail Station breaks ground in Massachusetts

Officials in Massachusetts broke ground on the new Wachusett Commuter Rail Station in West Fitchburg, which will extend the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line 4.5 miles to the west. The project will also construct a new train layover facility in Westminster.

First guideway column in place for Evergreen Line

The Evergreen Line project in Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada, is beginning to take shape, with the first guideway column for the rapid transit line in place.

East Side Access contract for Manhattan south structures awarded

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded the first of three contracts to fabricate and construct the permanent structural concrete lining, interior structures and fit-out for caverns and tunnels excavated underneath Grand Central Terminal for the East Side Access project.

Wisconsin Oks loans to freight rail projects

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) approved four state awards totaling $7,605,081 to improve freight rail infrastructure and support economic growth. The funds will be administered through its Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP).

FASTRACK returns to Queens on the E/M/R

Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit is bringing FASTRACK back to Queens on the E, M and R Line August 12 for four consecutive weeknights until August 16.

South Dakota Department of Transportation wins award for rail project

The South Dakota Department of Transportation‘s 2012 Mitchell to Chamberlain (MRC) Railroad Rehabilitation project has won regional acclaim in the America’s Transportation Awards competition.

House leaders concerned antenna installation may delay PTC implementation

Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee have written to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn regarding installation of positive train control (PTC) by the end of 2015.

NCDOT awards contract for railbed construction

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarded a $24.9-million contract to Crowder Construction Co. to construct railroad roadbed along a 12-mile segment of the North Carolina Railroad/Norfolk Southern corridor. The work will span from north of Rocky River Road in Concord to Orr Road in Charlotte.

UP Iowa to Missouri line undergoing track improvements

Union Pacific will strengthen Iowa’s and Missouri’s transportation infrastructure by investing $10.5 million in the rail line between Allerton, Iowa, and Lock Springs, Mo.

VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension awarded $40 million from state

Another $40 million in Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP) funding was allocated to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Project by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).

Hanson names Jeff Bowen vice president

Jeff Bowen, PE, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc. as a vice president and will lead the firm’s Florida transportation and infrastructure efforts from the firm’s Jacksonville, Fla., office.

Amtrak, Virginia reach cost-sharing agreement

Virginia has entered into a cost-sharing partnership with Amtrak, where Virginia will be assuming greater costs associated with making intercity passenger rail service available to communities between Washington, D.C., and Lynchburg, Newport News and Norfolk, including Richmond.

UP invests $8 million into Iowa’s transportation infrastructure

Union Pacific will strengthen Iowa’s transportation infrastructure by investing nearly $8 million in the rail line between Mason City and near Iowa Falls. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific, began August 6 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

CSX Massachusetts line now under MBTA, MBCR control

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its commuter rail contractor Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail (MBCR) completed the acquisition of CSX rail lines on which Worcester/Framingham passenger trains travel, opening up the line to increased service opportunities.

California Transportation Commission allocates close to $60 million to three rail-related projects

The California Transportation Commission assigned $59.25 million to two grade separation projects and a rail connector project.

DART celebrates 30th anniversary

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) turns 30 this month as the agency celebrates the anniversary of the vote to create DART. On Saturday, Aug. 13, 1983, residents in Dallas and 13 other cities elected to be a part of the new transit agency and contribute one percent in sales tax to fund it.

The Armor Group acquires PQ Shelters

The Armor Group, Inc., of Mason, Ohio, has acquired the assets of PQ Shelters, Inc., formerly Precision Quincy Shelters, of Woodstock, Ill. The company will continue to operate as PQ Shelters.

Purple Line is Maryland’s first transit P3; receives additional $400 million

Nearly $650 million was released in transportation investment funds for Montgomery County, Md., along with an additional $400 million for the $2.5-billion Purple Line project, which will be delivered as the state’s first transit public-private partnership (P3).

UP’s Kansas line to see $20 million in trackwork

Union Pacific will strengthen Kansas’ transportation infrastructure by investing $20 million in the rail line between near Paola and Coffeyville. The project, funded entirely by Union Pacific, began in late July and is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

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