Union Pacific continues to struggle with wildfires
Wildfires continue to plague Union Pacific’s lines in several places. Below is a message posted to customers yesterday (July 28, 2021) from Kenny Rocker, EVP, Marketing & Sales.
Oliver promoted to vice president of automated track inspection at Mermec
West Columbia, SC July 8, 2021 – MERMEC Inc. (MMI) a wholly owned subsidiary MerMec S.p.A. both Angel Group companies is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Kevin D. Oliver, PMP to the leadership role of Vice President Automated Track Inspection Program – ATIP.
Kawasaki launches remote track monitoring services in North America
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. recently announced that it has launched remote track monitoring services with information and communication technology (ICT) in North America for the first time.
North Carolina Railroad Company invests in lead track serving state-of-the-art facility in Cabarrus County
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is investing in the rehabilitation of rail infrastructure required for operations at a new beverage manufacturing campus to be constructed by Red Bull, Rauch, and Ball Corporation.
Metrolink certifies final EIR for Simi Valley double track project
On July 23rd, the Metrolink Board of Directors certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for its Simi Valley Double Track Project, which is designed to increase train capacity on Metrolink’s Ventura County Line and the existing Simi Valley Station.
HNTB names Mel Sears president of northwest division
HNTB’s Mel Sears, PE, PMP, has been named president of the firm’s Northwest Division, overseeing vital and complex infrastructure programs in growth markets, including highways, rail/transit, tolling and aviation. He is based in the firm’s Bellevue office.
NJ Transit receives fiscal year 2022 authorization to secure capital funding
The NJ Transit Board of Directors recently adopted the 2021 update to A Five-Year Capital Plan along with the Fiscal Year 2022 authorization to secure funding. A Five-Year Capital Plan is an unconstrained vision of projects to demonstrate opportunities for safety, service, reliability, resiliency, sustainability and other improvements critical to NJ Transit.
TransLink to upgrade the SkyTrain SkyBridge
On July 31, TransLink will start construction to replace aging expansion joints along the SkyTrain tracks of the SkyBridge, which serves as a key connection for Expo Line service between New Westminster and Surrey.
Darren Kettle named Metrolink chief executive officer
[Friday, July 23], the Board of Directors of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority named Darren Kettle chief executive officer (CEO) of Metrolink. Kettle is currently the executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), one of the five regional transportation agencies that comprise the joint powers authority that governs Metrolink.
CN suffers derailment believed to be caused by a washout
On Saturday, July24, a Canadian National train hauling 99 cars derailed, putting a locomotive and 24 empty intermodal cars on the ground near Pointe au Baril, Ontario. A washout is considered the most likely cause, and two crew members received minor injuries.
NRC member Omaha Track hosts Senator Fischer for tour of Omaha Track’s headquarters
On Friday, July 23 the NRC and member company Omaha Track hosted Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) for a tour of Omaha Track’s headquarters in Omaha, Neb. Senator Fischer was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012, becoming the first Nebraska woman elected to a full term and the first Nebraska state senator elected directly after service in the state legislature.
Bells & Whistles—High-speed rail excitement in Canada; infrastructure bill lull in the U.S.
The top stories RT&S was covering the week ending July 23.
Why railroad contracting is more like hockey than golf
This is my favorite time of year. Golfers are out in full swing. Hockey teams are in hot pursuit of the Stanley Cup. And railroad contractors are working at maximum capacity.
Austin subway tunnel has no way out, may have to be longer
When there is no way to come up, you need to keep going.
NCTD releases public update on Del Mar bluffs work
The North County Transit District (NCTD) has released a public update on the status of work along the Del Mar bluffs.
Accelerated work during the pandemic advances BART rebuilding effort to new milestone
BART managed to leverage pandemic downtime to push forward their rebuilding work.
Raleigh-to-Atlanta high-speed route still looks more like a dream than reality
Earlier this week officials announced plans for a high-speed rail line connecting Raleigh, N.C., and Atlanta.
Federal funding enables MTA to breathe easier through first half of 2024
From a financial point of view, the MTA can breathe a sigh of relief.
CSX intermodal train derails near Auburn, Ind.
A CSX intermodal train derailed in Indiana yesterday.
Watch: TriMet experimenting with drone for rail infrastructure inspections
TriMet launched a pilot project in July to get a new view of track infrastructure and help in the assessment of maintenance needs.