Report: HART System Safety Plan Advances
A safety plan has been proposed for the HART (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation) Honolulu Rail System, whose first segment is expected to open in July. KHON Channel 2 on March 27
ICC Approves Annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program; Greenlights Automatic Warning Device Projects
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced March 24 that it has approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (FY 2024-2028) to implement highway-rail safety projects at local roads across the state. More than $476 million dollars from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) will help communities and railroads pay for improvements at 424 crossing locations.
MnDOT: $151.4MM Needed to Renew, Expand Minnesota’s Freight Rail System
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has released its 2023-2028 Forecast, focusing on the $151.4 million in funding required to go toward planned local projects needing state support for rail and bridge upgrades, new industrial parks and job creation.
FTA: $212.3MM Available for Emergency Relief Funding
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced March 27 that $212,301,048 in grants are available to apply for under the Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (Emergency Relief Program) for states, territories, local government authorities, Indian tribes, and other FTA recipients affected by major declared disasters in calendar years 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
California Allocates $37M to San Diego Transportation Infrastructure Repairs
The California Transportation Commission announced March 24 that millions of dollars in state funds will be directed to local San Diego governments to restore transportation infrastructure.
South Dakota Approves $6M for Sisseton-Milbank Rail Line
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 16 into law last week, authorizing $6.25 million in state funds for the restoration of a railroad line from Milbank to Sisseton. The appropriation is conditional upon receiving federal grant funds for rail line rehabilitation.
Port Authority Shortlists Three APM Firms to Replace AirTrain Newark
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced March 23 that it has chosen three automated-people-mover system technology firms to move forward to the next step of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.
MBTA Awards Contract for Track, Signal Upgrades at South Station
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Board of Directors approved a $98 million construction contract with Middlesex Corporation on March 23 to upgrade the tracks, switches, and signals at South Station.
FRA: Safety Device, Human Error Caused Washington Derailment
A safety device intended to prevent trains from tumbling into Puget Sound forced a BNSF Railway train off the tracks last week, causing 3,100 gallons of diesel fuel to spill in Washington state, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
NJ Transit to Revitalize Historic Mahwah Station
NJ Transit is moving forward with plans to revamp its Mahwah train station and improve customer service.
SEPTA Awards Design Contract for Broad Street ADA Improvements
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority on March 23 awarded a contract to move forward with accessibility enhancements at three subway stations.
BART Ridership Forecast Could Redefine South Bay Transit
One of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, carrying Bay Area Rapid Transit trains through downtown San Jose, is taking shape. Nevertheless, the number of passengers who will use the extension—and its future as a key component for regional transport—is becoming increasingly uncertain.
Texas MPO to Build Railroad Database, Identify Crossing Upgrades
In Texas, the Tyler City Council has authorized the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to enter into an agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to create a railroad crossing analysis and inventory for each rail line in Smith County.
Watco’s Stefan Loeb Moving to Norfolk Southern, Matt Walsh Named ASLRRA Board Chairman
WASHINGTON –The American and Short Line Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) today announced the progression of Matt Walsh, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Development, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc., to fill the ASLRRA Board Chairman position vacated by Watco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Loeb, who has accepted a position at Norfolk Southern Railway. Walsh currently holds the position of Vice Chairman for the ASLRRA.
Racine Railroad Products Announces Dominic DaPra Will Assume Leadership Role
Mt. Pleasant, Wis.–Racine Railroad Products President Steve Birkholz retired March 7, 2023 following more than 29 years of service to the company, serving as the President for more than 28 years. Dominic DaPra, previously Vice President at Generac Power Systems, succeed Birkholz as President. DaPra started with Racine Railroad on Dec. 5, 2022, to allow for an extended transition period.
Construction Begins on Metra’s Two-Year Homewood Station Project
Metra has begun a two-year construction project at its Homewood Station. The tunnel on the east side of the train station in suburban Homewood, Illinois, has been closed by the commuter rail system that serves Chicago and its suburbs.
Trinity Railway Express Requests to Amend PTC System
Trinity Railway Express submitted a request for amendment to its Federal Railroad Administration-certified positive train control system on March 3.
PATH to Debut 9-Car Service on Newark-World Trade Center Line
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will begin the first phase of a massive expansion of PATH service along the Newark-World Trade Center line on March 23.
TSB: Unstable Track Subgrade Indicated in 2020 Derailment Near Ignace, Ontario
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has released its investigative report (R20W0102) regarding the 2020 derailment of a Canadian Pacific Railway Company freight train near Ignace, Ontario.
Maryland Approves FY24 Funding Commitment for Southern Maryland Rapid Transit
The State budget for FY24, which includes a sizeable financial commitment for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project, has been approved by the Maryland House of Delegates.