Houston Metro launches pilot program for pedestrian safety at rail crossings
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) is launching a pilot program to test a Bluetooth pedestrian alert system (BPAS) at four locations.
First contract for Glendora-Montclair Gold Line segment awarded
The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Board of Directors approved the first contract for the project’s Glendora to Montclair phase at its Sept. 27 meeting.
USDOT looks to align FRA, FTA and FHWA environmental regs
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Sept. 28 that will “harmonize” the environmental review process between the three highway, transit and railroad agencies.
City of Ottawa awards contract to RTG Partnership
Rideau Transit Group Partnership (RTG), has signed a contract with the city of Ottawa for the expansion of a maintenance and storage facility located at Belfast Road.
Keolis, MBTA perform cleaning to prevent slippery rail
In lieu of the changing season, Keolis Commuter Services (KCS) will perform rail-cleaning services on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) rail to reduce slippery rail.
Harsco wins Saudi and South African contracts
Harsco Rail has won two orders worth nearly $25 million to supply track maintenance and measuring equipment for use on the Haramain high-speed line in Saudi Arabia and the Transnet network in South Africa.
Transit agencies holding events for Rail Safety Week
Transit agencies around the United States are taking part in the first U.S. Rail Safety Week to support the efforts of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), and promote safe behavior around rail property.
MTA wraps up Metro-North Hudson, Harlem Line track improvements
Following completion of recent track improvement projects, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad will begin schedule changes to certain Harlem Line and Hudson Line trains on October 8. All new fall schedule adjustments are three minutes or less in effort to improve on-time performance.
Trimble offers new track survey and scanning rail trolley
Trimble introduced a new addition to its track survey and scanning rail portfolio—the Trimble GEDO IMS System.
Amtrak CUS Great Hall work under way
Amtrak’s $22-million project to restore and improve historic Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall is under way. The year-long project will result in a public space painted in its original colors, and made brighter by a restored and protected skylight with improved lighting.
BNSF, UP expanding, upgrading in northern Idaho
Track projects this summer in northern Idaho are expanding capacity on a busy segment of BNSF’s Northern Corridor, and upgrading conditions on Union Pacific’s (UP) route to the Canadian border.
Amtrak and OLI “Clear the Track”
Amtrak and Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) kicked off Rail Safety Week this morning with the assembly of its Operation Clear the Track.
Chaney Enterprises now offers limestone via rail
Chaney Enterprises is utilizing its recently completed railway to offer limestone to its customers. The railway is located at the company’s plant in Waldorf, Md.
America’s Central Port District awarded EDA grant for rail project
America’s Central Port District (ACP), located in Granite City and Madison, Ill., has been awarded a $700,000 grant for rail and roadway improvements.
Class 1s spread U.S. Rail Safety Week message
Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), is spearheading the inaugural Rail Safety Week (RSW) in the U.S. Sept. 24-30. Class 1s are supporting the focus on rail safety with their own efforts throughout the week.
SCVTA staff makes Phase 2 recommendations for BART extension
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) Board will review staff recommendations at an October meeting regarding Phase II of the BART Silicon Valley Extension.
Rep. Schrader joins Knife River Corporation for facility tour, policy discussion
Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5) joined representatives from Knife River Corporation and the Portland and Western Railroad to tour Knife River’s Salem sand and gravel pit, learn about its extensive railway products and services and discuss public policy priorities for the business and rail communities in greater Salem, Ore.
MBTA moves forward with Wollaston Red Line Station project
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is moving forward with improvements at the Wollaston Red Line Station.
Met Council officially rejects SWLRT bids; looks for cost reduction options
The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) approved a recommendation September 20 to reject all four civil construction bids for the Southwest LRT project, due to price and responsiveness concerns.
Rep. Westerman tours OUCH; discusses 45G
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04) joined Ouachita Railroad Company (OUCH) Sept. 20 for a tour of the railroad and to discuss issues facing the shortline rail industry.