FHWA, FTA take on workforce “cliff”
One of the transportation industry’s greatest challenges is how can to attract, educate and retain a workforce that has both the skills and the numbers to keep the nation moving.
Legislative leaders reach agreement to improve New York state rail safety
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeffrey Klein have reached an agreement on legislation to improve rail safety measures across New York state.
State, federal inspectors looking at Columbia River Gorge tracks
Inspectors from state and federal agencies in Oregon and Washington state are conducting track inspections along the Columbia River Gorge rail line this week between Vancouver and Pasco, Wash.
SEPTA ramps up Crum Creek Viaduct work
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will halt train service between Elwyn and Swarthmore Stations on the Media/Elwyn Line June 18-19 as work on the Crum Creek Viaduct project intensifies.
Ontario provides funds to propel two subway projects forward
The province of Ontario is providing CA$205 million (US$160 million) to help advance work for the Yonge North Subway Extension and the proposed Relief Line to help manage congestion on the Yonge Line in the Toronto area.
PATH plans PTC install, CBTC upgrade on 33rd Street line for August
Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) plans to suspend weekend service on its 33rd Street line in Manhattan, N.Y., beginning in August to progress an upgrade to its signal system, including installation of positive train control (PTC).
CH2M rehabilitating TRE timber trestle
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) awarded an engineering services contract to CH2M for the rehabilitation of the timber pile trestle span Trinity Railway Express (TRE) bridge over Inwood Road.
2016 annual grade crossing report
Whether they are made of concrete, wood, composite or rubber, grade-crossing surfaces are made to provide a smooth, safe surface for railroads and vehicles to traverse across.
Agreement reached to reconstruct the U.S.-Mexico Desert Line Railroad
An agreement has been reached to pay for the reconstruction and operation of the 70-mile Desert Line railway in southeastern San Diego County that connects Mexico maquiladoras to rail shipping in the United States.
Freight rail industry marks International Level Crossing Awareness Day
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) joined the international rail transportation community in educating the public about the dangers of railroad grade crossings during the 8th Annual International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) June 10, 2016.
RBMN acquires Locust Valley Line
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN) purchased the 5.5-mile Locust Valley Line; the acquisition became effective on June 8, 2016.
Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration invest in new Baltimore Penn Station backup generator system
Amtrak and the Maryland Transit Administration have invested $1.2 million in a new backup generator system at Baltimore Penn Station to ensure station readiness and reliability, as well as maintain continuity of critical station operations during extended utility outages.
CTA receives perfect score from FTA
As reported by Railway Age, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced on June 8, 2016 that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the top federal oversight agency for transit agencies, gave the CTA a perfect score on its FTA Triennial Review and found no deficiencies across multiple categories and departments.
XpressWest continues development sans CRI assistance
In September 2015, XpressWest and China Railway International USA, Co., LTD. (CRI) commenced joint venture activities intended to advance the high-speed rail line planned to link Las Vegas, Nev., and Los Angeles, Calif.
NAMRC names Rauch Supplier of the Year
The North American Maintenance Railway Club (NAMRC) named Ian Rauch, manager of Steel and OTM Sales at Omaha Track as its 2015-2016 Supplier of the Year.
Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont’s rail lines.
CTA to renovate historic Quincy Loop Station, awards construction contract
The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Board of Directors has approved a contract for renovations of the historic Quincy station, one of CTA’s oldest stations built in 1897.
WSDOT opens availability for loans, grants for freight rail improvement projects
Applications are now being accepted for Washington state-funded grants and loans for projects that improve freight rail services. Funds will be available in July 2017.
New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track
New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.
Across the US communities seek $9.3 billion in TIGER funding
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded.