CTC allocates $37.6 million to Baldwin Ave. grade separation project

The California Transportation Commission voted to allocate $37.6 million in state bond funds to construct the Baldwin Avenue grade separation project in the City of El Monte. The award of funds will permit the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority to prepare to release the project for bids from contractors.

CN says rail traffic controllers in Canada ratify new collective agreement

Canadian National says that members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Rail Canada Traffic Controllers have ratified a new collective agreement covering approximately 210 train dispatchers in Canada.

BNSF plans $111 million capital program in Montana

BNSF plans to invest an estimated $111 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Montana this year.

Canada prepares legislation to end CP strike

The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, said that the federal government has put the Restoring Rail Service Act on notice to end the current Canadian Pacific work stoppage involving the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.

BNSF plans $30 million capital program in South Dakota

BNSF plans to invest an estimated $30 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in South Dakota this year.

Five Ohio crossings to receive upgrades

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio

BNSF plans $199 million capital program in Texas

BNSF plans to invest an estimated $199 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement and expansion projects in Texas this year.

Illinois HSR corridor work continues

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are upgrading Illinois’ high-speed route, Chicago-St. Louis, for future high-speed Amtrak trains. The improvements for 110-mph service include the installation of new premium rail with concrete ties and ballast; upgrades to bridges, culverts and drainage; signal and wayside equipment installations and upgrades and roadway-rail grade crossing improvements.

RailAmerica, Inc., reviews strategic alternatives

RailAmerica, Inc., stated that its board of directors is considering strategic alternatives, which may include a sale of the company. In connection with its evaluation, the company is engaged in preliminary discussions with third parties regarding a potential sale of the company.

RailComm expands its remote control detrail system at Indiana Harbor Belt RIP Track Facility

RailComm has been selected to expand its wireless remote control derail system at Indiana Harbor Belt’s RIP Track Facility. The customized local control panel, located within the shop, will be modified to include the new derail locations.

Watco promotes Towner to assistant vice president of operations

Stu Towner has been promoted to the position of assis¬tant vice president of operations for Watco Transportation Services. Towner will be responsible for the continued development and improvement of safety, service, growth, people and efficiency in all areas of WTS. He will be responsible for and participate in, due diligence and transition of new acquisitions within WTS.

CP receives 72-hour strike notice from TCRC

Canadian Pacific has received a 72-hour strike notice from the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents 4,800 engineers, conductors and rail traffic controllers in Canada.

New CP Board appoints Tobias interim CEO

Canadian Pacific Board of Directors appointed newly-elected Director, Stephen Tobias, as interim CEO. Tobias is a 40-year veteran of the railroad industry and former vice chair and chief operations officer of Norfolk Southern. In 2008, Tobias was awarded Railway Age magazine’s Railroader of the Year award.

Iowa Pacific to operate Santa Cruz branch line

The Regional Transportation Commission for Santa Cruz County in Southern California authorized the selection of Iowa Pacific Holdings to operate on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. The RTC will enter into an administration, coordination and license agreement with Iowa Pacific to conduct freight and passenger rail service, as well as maintain the line and provide general commercial insurance.

HART receives approval for work on rail guideway and precast yard

Hawaii’s Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation received the green light from the Federal Transit Administration to move forward with $21.8 million in work that includes a precasting yard that will create the concrete guideway for Oahu’s rail system.

NCRR, CATS and NS reach agreements for LYNX Blue Line extension

The North Carolina Railroad Company, the Charlotte Area Transit System and Norfolk Southern signed lease, construction and operating agreements for the LYNX Blue Line Extension light-rail project along the North Carolina Railroad corridor. The 2.7-mile section begins near East 12th Street and ends a half mile east of Eastway Drive in Charlotte, N.C.

Ohio commission approves crossing work

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission, authorizing Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway to install flashing lights and gates at the County Road 35A (001-913V) grade crossing in Wyandot County.

CP’s Green steps down, five directors will not stand for re-election

Fred Green, president and chief executive officer of Canadian Pacific has stepped down, effective immediately. Green leaves the company following 34 years of dedicated service. In addition, Green has resigned as a director and will not stand for re-election at the company’s shareholder meeting.

Sample PATH reports record ridership in 2011

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s PATH rail system reported record ridership in 2011, with 76.6 million commuter trips made during the year, the highest

Rail bridge that serves as gateway to famed Trestles Beach completed

The completion of the nearly $8 million San Mateo Creek Bridge, gateway to California’s Trestles Beach and its famous surf break, was formally marked on Monday as a northbound Amtrak Pacific Surfliner made its way across the new bridge.

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