TTCI expands to create epicenter for rail research, testing, and training services
Written by RT&S Staff
TTCI will expand to the PuebloPlex facility in Pueblo, Colo.
Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), is establishing an independent training and on-track testing facility in Pueblo capable of meeting the needs of today’s rail industry and testing tomorrow’s transportation solutions.
The announcement marks the beginning of the implementation of test track and training infrastructure that will be operational in 2022.
“As TTCI continues to evolve into an increasingly nimble and responsive organization, our facilities must be able to keep pace,” said Kari Gonzales, TTCI president and CEO. “With this new, independent site, TTCI will make targeted, strategic investments in key, cutting-edge equipment and facilities to support the industry in a way we never could before.”
Located on the expansive PuebloPlex facility in Pueblo County, TTCI’s new location will serve as the epicenter for TTCI’s globally renowned research, testing, and training services. Extensive planning and scheduling activities are underway for a phased construction that will ensure service continuity.
The new location at PuebloPlex also offers expansion opportunities to meet evolving industry and research needs. The site will feature a high tonnage loop for accelerated service testing, curve negotiation loops, as well as additional track infrastructure necessary to support AAR certification testing.
The new location also will house a reimagined Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC), the organization’s fully immersive hazmat response training facility. SERTC’s new campus will feature modern equipment and enhanced training scenarios to better serve the emergency response community. First courses at the new facility will begin in early 2022.
Development at PuebloPlex will afford TTCI more freedom to make key capital investments, streamline operations, increase flexibility and improve cost-effectiveness. Further benefits include the preservation of TTCI’s delivery of independent assessments and the ability to high levels of confidentiality for proprietary customer research and testing.
“Pueblo has long been home to rail research and innovation, which is why we are thrilled to have TTCI serve as an anchor tenant for PuebloPlex and the region’s economy,” said PuebloPlex President and CEO Russell DeSalvo. “This is a long-haul relationship that will meet TTCI and the rail community’s needs today as well as create opportunities for future development and innovation.”
As it has for over 40 years, TTCI will continue to provide vital support to the nation’s rail industry as its most trusted research, testing, and engineering services partner. Building on its legacy of excellence, TTCI is committed to providing innovative business solutions to solve transportation challenges now and in the future. Through focused funding and strategic planning, TTCI is making key investments in the people and facilities to take on new technological challenges in the rail industry and beyond.
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