Stantec named lead engineer for LIRR modernization project
Stantec will serve as the lead engineer on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) expansion project that will revamp the railroad’s Main Line.
NJ Transit Board approves Corbett as executive director
Kevin Corbett will serve as the next executive director for New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) following a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors supporting the appointment.
Energy storage system to be built for Eglinton Crosstown LRT
Ontario is partnering with Toronto Hydro to build an energy storage system to provide back-up power to the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) line.
NTSB issues three safety recs following LIRR, CSX/Amtrak incidents
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued three urgent safety recommendations, two to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and one to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) based on the agency’s findings in two ongoing railroad accident investigations.
NJ Transit approves Hudson-Bergen expansion environmental review
The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board of Directors has voted unanimously to approve a proposed alignment of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail’s (HBLR) upcoming expansion into Bergen County as outlined in its Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement from March 2017.
BNSF to spend $375 million on Texas capital program
BNSF plans to spend more than 11 percent of its total capital program in Texas this year, with nearly half of the $375 million state plan going toward maintenance projects.
FRA has $73M available in rail safety grants
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is accepting grant applications for projects that will strengthen rail safety efforts through the implementation of positive train control (PTC), crossing improvements and congestion mitigation.
Thelma Drake next Federal Transit Administrator
The White House announced late on Feb. 13 that President Donald Trump intends to nominate former Virginia Republican Congresswoman Thelma Drake to be Federal Transit Administrator.
FTA lowers rating for Gateway tunnels
A revision by the Federal Transit Administration lowering the priority rating for the proposed Gateway rail tunnels could endanger funding for the project linking New York and New Jersey.
BNSF details capital programs for Montana, Missouri and Kansas
BNSF unveiled details of its planned $385 million capital plan across Montana, Missouri and Kansas. The focus of all three state programs will be on maintenance projects.
David Collenette to chair Ontario’s HSR advisory board
Ontario has named David Collenette as the leader of its High Speed Rail (HSR) Planning Advisory Board, officials said.
Senate confirms Batory as FRA Administrator
The Senate by voice vote early Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, confirmed Ronald Batory as Federal Railroad Administrator, the nation’s rail safety watchdog agency.
Sound Transit taps Arnold as new chief customer experience officer
Russell L. Arnold will serve as Sound Transit’s chief customer experience officer, a newly created position at the agency.
Baltimore rail shutting down for a fix up
The Maryland Department of Transportation has determined the entire Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) rail system will remain closed for up to four weeks following an inspection.
Wabtec to supply PTC system to SunRail
Wabtec Corporation has signed a contract valued at about $62 million to implement its positive train control (PTC) technology along the Central Florida Rail Corridor (CFRC), the operator for the SunRail commuter line.
Acting FRA chief Hall resigns
Heath Hall, the acting administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, the nation’s rail safety watchdog, resigned Feb. 11 amid allegations that he was working a second job as a public relations consultant.
CTC awards $96 million to 11 California rail projects
Caltrans released details surrounding $173.4 million in grants awarded to 57 projects by the California Transportation Commission. Out of the pot of funds awarded, $96.4 million will go toward 11 state rail projects.
HNTB names two to tunnel leadership roles
HNTB Corporation has made two new appointments for leadership roles on its national tunnel and underground team.
Small-railroad tax credit in budget bill
The regional and short line railroad investment tax credit (known as 45-G for its provision in the Internal Revenue Code) is poised to be signed into law by President Trump following its unexpected insertion into the massive two-year Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 passed in the predawn hours Friday, Feb. 9, by the House and Senate.
Four firms respond to O’Hare Express RFQ
The Chicago Infrastructure Trust (CIT) has received four responses to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build work and maintenance for the O’Hare Express operating system.