Illinois awards $241M to freight projects
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) awarded $241 million to 23 state freight projects on June 5.
INFRA grants: $148M to CREATE and Ohio rail projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recommended 26 projects to be awarded a total of $1.54 billion in federal funds as part of the FY18 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. USDOT had up to $1.56 billion available for grants.
CN plans to invest CA$340M in B.C. infrastructure
Canadian National (CN) has announced plans to invest about CA$340 million (US$263 million) across British Columbia this year to grow and strengthen the railroad’s network in the province.
Darr leaving ASLRRA
American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association President Linda Darr on June 5 announced her resignation, effective July 27, from the organization she has led since late 2014. She has accepted a CEO role with the American Council of Engineering Companies and will begin in her new position this August, a statement said.
AECOM signs on for N.H. commuter rail
A New Hampshire city is looking to revive its passenger rail service, and has hired an engineering consultant to help.
CTDOT prepares for rail project on Ann Street Bridge
A bridge project that will support work performed as part of the Walk Bridge Program in Connecticut will begin in mid-June.
SCVTA receives ROD for Phase 2 of BART extension
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) notified the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) on June 4 that a Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued for the next six miles of the transportation authority’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Extension.
Silverman to expand Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell rail practice
Suzanne Silverman has joined the New York City office of Denver-based Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP as a partner.
Rep. Sanford tours new Geismar-MTM facility in Beaufort, S.C.
Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC-1), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined representatives June 4 from Geismar-Modern Track Machinery (Geismar-MTM) and industry stakeholders for a tour of Geismar’s new Beaufort manufacturing facility.
NCDOT stages crossing accident to educate drivers on risks
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division’s BeRailSafe program, in partnership with N.C. Operation Lifesaver, conducted a staged train crash May 30 in Star, N.C.
R. J. Corman to provide rail car switching, maintenance to SABIC Montgomery location
R. J. Corman Railroad Switching Company, LLC, has announced the launch of a new location in Montgomery, Ala. for global chemical and plastic company SABIC.
FTA, GAO agree on need for CIG policy enhancements, but not action plan
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report recommending the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) address a trio of statutory provisions concerning the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program.
Knife River hosts Rep. DeFazio for tour, rail policy discussion
Representatives of Knife River Corporation and industry stakeholders hosted Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4) for a tour May 31 of Knife River’s Harrisburg precast facility in an event coordinated by the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) and the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA).
FTA allocates $227.5M in emergency funds to public transit systems
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allocated $277.5 million in Emergency Relief funds for public transportation systems damaged by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
CHSRA: Project has created more than 2,000 construction jobs
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and workers representing multiple union halls announced May 31 that more than 2,000 construction jobs have been created since its high-speed rail project started work.
Deal reached for Hudson Bay Railway; Port of Churchill
An agreement in principle has been reached between Missinippi Rail Partners and Fairfax Financial Holdings and OmniTRAX Inc. to restore rail service to northern Manitoba and transfer ownership of the Port of Churchill.
Kiewit hosts Rep. Moore for Milwaukee Streetcar project tour
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) and Kiewit Infrastructure Co. hosted Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI-4) for a tour May 30 of the Milwaukee Streetcar.
CSX names Schwichtenberg chief safety officer
James Schwichtenberg has joined CSX as vice president and chief safety officer, effective immediately.
APTA reports commuter rail’s steady progress on PTC
An analysis released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has concluded that the nation’s commuter rail industry continued to make progress in its positive train control (PTC) implementation efforts during the first quarter of 2018.
Virginia to study Amtrak extension
A state study is planned on the potential cost of extending passenger rail service into Southwest Virginia.