Capitol Hill this week: Shortlines discuss value and needs
The infrastructure needs and value brought by the shortline railroads in the United States were the topic of testimony given at two Congressional hearings this week.
Mott MacDonald-SNC Lavalin JV awarded Federal Way Link extension contract
Sound Transit has awarded South County Transit Partners, a joint venture of Mott MacDonald and SNC-Lavalin, a design-build contract for the project management of its Federal Way Link Extension in the Seattle area, SNC-Lavalin announced.
Union Pacific’s Kansas network to see $113 million investment in 2018
Union Pacific plans to invest $113 million into its Kansas network in 2018. The Class 1 says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
MARTA names Parker sole finalist for GM role
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has selected Atlanta transit executive Jeffrey A. Parker as the sole finalist in its search for a permanent general manager and CEO.
Lake State Railway, Indiana Rail Road take small-road honors
Railway Age has named Class III railroad Lake State Railway as its Short Line of the Year, and Class II Indiana Rail Road as its Regional of the Year.
MDOT MTA reopens subway following extended rail repair
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) reopened service along the entire system three days ahead of schedule on the morning of March 9.
EllisDon team awarded Stouffville Corridor Project contract
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have awarded a fixed-price contract of CA$254.5 million (US$198.3 million) to EllisDon Transit Infrastructure (EDTI) to design, build and finance the Stouffville Corridor Stations Improvement project.
Rail to benefit from $96M in TIGER grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a list of recipients of the nearly $500 million in available Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants.
Union Pacific targets $127 million Arkansas capital program
Union Pacific plans to invest $127 million into its Arkansas network in 2018. The Class 1 says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
BNSF to spend $90 million to maintain Minnesota network
BNSF Railway is targeting a $90 million capital program for its Minnesota network in 2018. BNSF says maintenance will be the focus of the program with a special attention given to replacing and upgrading rail, crossties and ballast.
New plan: Billions of dollars and years more needed for Cali HSR
California’s proposed high-speed rail system will cost $13 billion more and take four years longer to build than original estimates.
MTA Genius Transit Challenge winners announced
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on March 9 announced eight winners of the MTA Genius Transit Challenge, including two that “plan to immediately reinvest their cash awards from the competition and contribute seed money to advance their ideas in conjunction with the MTA.”
NRC members join in Rail Day message
More than 100 individuals from approximately 60 National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) member companies helped spread the rail industry’s message during the annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Rail takes 10 percent of TIGER grants (so far)
Four rail specific and rail related projects have been awarded a total of $54.5 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants. This represents about 10 percent of the $500 million available in the latest round of TIGER funding.
UP plans $122.3 million capital plan in California
Union Pacific plans to invest $122.3 million into its California network in 2018. The Class 1 says the investment will safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
TriMet names Hoskins to lead maintenance operations
TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey has selected Roland Hoskins as the executive director of maintenance operations.
North Lights Express project can seek funding with FONSI clearance
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Tier 2 environmental assessment for the Northern Lights Express (NLX) higher speed intercity passenger rail project.
TEXRail breaks ground in Grapevine
Ground was broken Wednesday in Grapevine, Texas, on the $105-million dining and entertainment complex on the TEXRail commuter rail line.
REMSA members represent on the Hill
More than 55 individuals are representing more than 30 Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) member companies today at Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Court upholds $1.25M award to BNSF whistleblower
A federal appeals court has upheld a $1.25 million award to a BNSF Railway whistleblower in a safety violations case.