Railroad Day on Capitol Hill marks record attendance
A record number of rail industry participants came to Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2017 to take part in the 18th annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Harrison named CSX head; Ward to become consultant
CSX said March 6 that E. Hunter Harrison has been named CEO of the Class 1. Michael Ward, who was originally scheduled to retire from the top job at the end of May, will become a consultant to the railroad; both are effective immediately.
Georgia Ports Authority plans to reduce Garden City rail crossings
Representatives from Garden City, Chatham County and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) discussed a proposal that would reduce the use of grade crossings around GPA’s Garden City Terminal during a public meeting Feb. 28.
Bills to repeal MPO consolidation rule enter Congress
Legislation was introduced to both houses of Congress last week that would repeal a final U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) rule aimed at reforming areas where multiple Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) exist.
CTA set to begin next phase of 95th Terminal project
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is beginning the next major construction phase of its signature 95th Terminal Improvement Project, which will expand and greatly improve the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station.
Valley Metro awards consultant contracts for transportation plan
Hill International (prime) and CH2M (principal sub-consultant) have been selected by Valley Metro as program and construction management consultants on future high-capacity transit projects in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Brohm named EVP of PNR RailWorks, Inc.
RailWorks Corporation named John Brohm as executive vice president with responsibility for the Ontario operations of PNR RailWorks Inc., its Canadian subsidiary.
Wabtec lands TEX Rail signaling contract
Wabtec Corporation has signed a $97 million contract to provide signaling and communication services for TEX Rail, a new commuter rail line being developed by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. The authority expects to open the 27-mile, double-track line in 2018.
Tom Prendergast, former head of MTA, joins STV
Thomas Prendergast, former chairman and and CEO of Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has joined STV Incorporated as executive vice president and chief strategic officer.
Paoli Station improvements kick off with ground breaking ceremony
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 28 for the Paoli Station Accessibility Improvements Project, a $36 million initiative to improve accessibility, safety and provide operational flexibility at the Paoli Train Station.
Railway worker notification system receives patent
A rail worker notification system that notifies maintenance workers, as well as train operators has been awarded a U.S. patent.
LYNX Blue Line Extension opening delayed seven months
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) will open in March 2018, seven months later than the previously scheduled opening of August 2017.
Caltrain ends Parsons PTC contract; reaches agreement with contractors for PCEP deadline extension
Caltrain has terminated a contract with Parsons Transportation Group (PTG), the firm responsible for designing and implementing a Positive Control System or CBOSS, after the agency said lack of the contractor’s progress threatened to delay implementation of the technology.
Metro sues transit union in overtime dispute
Washington’s Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on Monday threatened to bring in contractors and pursue further legal action if unionized employees refuse to work overtime.
Metra’s Orseno to retire at end of 2017
Don Orseno, who began his career in 1974 as a ticket collector on the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, will retire as Metra executive director and CEO in December 2017.
Atlantic Track & Turnout hosts staff from Sen. Durbin’s office
On February 22, staff of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member – Atlantic Track & Turnout Co. (Atlantic Track) – for a tour of its facility in Richmond, Ill.
Sound Transit constructing East Link light-rail tunnel in Bellevue one small section at a time
A 2,000-linear-foot tunnel that will host light-rail service in Bellevue, Wash., as part of Sound Transit’s East Link, is now under construction.
IO, Metrolinx issue RFQ for Toronto Union Station project
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Union Station Enhancement project in Toronto, ON, Canada has been issued by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.
Connecticut bond commission approves additional funds for NHHS rail program
The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved an additional $50 million in funding for the New-Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program.
EDA grants $1.2 million to Mississippi rail spur project
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $1.2 million grant to the city of Newton, Mississippi, to help expand rail access to the Newton Industrial Park.