Port Freeport breaks ground on rail project
Port Freeport in Texas held a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 18 for Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development project.
Caltrans publishes report on rail’s economic impact on state
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) released a research report that details the impact freight and passenger rail operations have on the state economy.
Construction under way on NY Penn expansion
More than a half-century after the cashed-strapped, bankruptcy-headed Pennsylvania Railroad demolished the original, spacious and beautiful Pennsylvania Station New York…
BART interns focus on safety, reliability
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BART) is utilizing interns this summer to create useful technology.
HDR to lead final design of Durham-Orange LRT project
HDR was chosen to lead the final design for GoTriangle’s Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project.
LIRR to perform switch replacement as part of double track project
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is conducting high-tech rail inspections, switch replacement and other track work between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 19.
SMART to begin rail service Aug. 25
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District received approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to begin full passenger train service on Aug. 25.
IO, Metrolinx issue RFP, RFQ for two Ontario transit projects
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx are moving forward with the procurement process for the Hurontario Light Rail Transit project and Davenport Diamond Rail Grade Separation project.
SamTrans recommends multimodal approach to Dumbarton Bridge
A phased, multi-modal approach to the Dumbarton Highway and Rail Bridges will improve transport options and times between Alameda and San Mateo counties in California, according to a recently released study.
Metra names Derwinski as executive director/CEO
Metra’s Board of Directors has elevated its chief mechanical officer to serve as the commuter agency’s next executive director/CEO.
CN taps Barletta chief of staff as government affairs director
Andrea Waldock Niethold, former chief of staff to Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), has been named the director of government affairs for Canadian National.
Hanson acquires Engineered Rail Solutions
Hanson Professional Services Inc. has acquired Engineered Rail Solutions (ERS) LLC.
Watermill Group acquires Cooper & Turner
Watermill Group has acquired track fastener manufacturer and distributor Cooper & Turner.
Emhofer new NY planner for WSP
Oliver Ernhofer has been named New York Transportation Planning Manager and Senior Supervising Planner for WSP USA.
Stantec names Raske senior railway engineer
Global design firm Stantec has added Ryan Raske to its team as senior railway engineer in St. Paul, Minn.
Gannett Fleming expands Security and Safety Practice
Gannett Fleming, Inc., is expanding its Security and Safety Practice by four; joining the team is James “Jim” E. Smith, Gene Perry, Jacy C. Harper and Brandon S. Huckeba.
Presidential Executive Order to streamline permitting process
A newly signed presidential Executive Order aims to reduce the time it takes projects to move through the federal permitting and review processes.
MBTA taps strategic consultant as next GM/CEO
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has named Luis Manuel Ramírez as its next General Manager/CEO, effective Sept. 12.
Union Pacific ramps up rail safety with video campaign
Union Pacific is encouraging safety at railroad tracks with its interactive public safety campaign. The Class 1 released the campaign on Facebook, YouTube, Hulu and other online news sites so it could be easily shared.
Al-Qaeda calls for U.S. rail and transit attacks
The latest issue of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s (AQAP) magazine, Inspire, calls for attacks on U.S. railways and transit systems and goes as far as including many steps to help carry out acts of terror.