Valley Metro celebrates light-rail extension opening
The Valley Metro $327-million, 3.2-mile Northwest Extension opened on March 19 ahead of schedule and on budget after more than two years of construction.
Norfolk Southern expanding Norfolk HQ to accommodate 165 additional employees
Norfolk Southern is investing $8.2 million to expand its corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Va., to accommodate 165 new employees. The expansion and new jobs are the result of the consolidation of the company’s corporate offices in Norfolk and Atlanta, Ga., and the closure of its Roanoke, Va., office building.
New head of subways named for NYCT
New York City Transit (NYCT) Acting Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways Wynton Habersham has been appointed to the position permanently. He is responsible for planning, directing and controlling the subway and its safe operation.
Rail service returns following WMATA shutdown
Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA) has restored service following an unprecedented full closure of the system March 16 for emergency inspections of the system’s third-rail power cables.
FRA redesigns crossing and trespassing website to increase safety
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) launched a redesigned website to serve as a one-stop shop to help drivers, pedestrians and law enforcement stay safe around the nation’s more than 200,000 railroad crossings and 140,000 miles of track.
OmniTRAX Logistics expands service territory in 2016
OmniTRAX Logistics Services, LLC (OLS) is rapidly expanding its service territory throughout the United States in 2016. OmniTRAX, Inc., is promoting the unit’s growth with the launch of a new website at www.myshippingmadeeasy.com . OLS, which provides a full range of transportation and handling services, built the website to accentuate the company’s “We Make Shipping Easy” slogan.
Metrolinx selects CH2M to provide program management services for Next Wave Rapid Transit Projects
Metrolinx has selected CH2M for its Next Wave Rapid Transit Projects – Consultant Services for Program Management Services contract.
GE Transportation’s Digital Solutions bets big on Chicago
GE selected Chicago to be a core hub of its growing digital ecosystem and the company says it will provide deep investments to further advance its digital strategy.
Fire prompts shutdown of full WMATA rail system for inspection
A major electrical cable fire in a tunnel just outside the Washington Metro McPherson Square station early Monday, March 14, 2016 has led to the entire Metrorail system shutting down for a 29-hour period beginning March 16 at 12:00 a.m. for emergency safety inspections of third-rail power cables.
Study says HSR tunnels could hold lessons for California system
High-speed rail construction projects have frequently required long tunnels to reduce travel time and distance. With the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) considering a 16-mile long tunnel along the Palmdale to Burbank project section, the Mineta Transportation Institute looked into similar tunnels already constructed around the world.
FTA issues final rule on state transit safety oversight
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a final rule that it says strengthens state safety oversight and enforcement authority to prevent and mitigate accidents and incidents on rail transit systems.
Metra plans 45 safety blitzes for the year
Chicago’s Metra will conduct Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at 45 train stations across the six-county region in 2016 as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks.
Redlands Passenger Rail Project enters final design
The San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Redlands Passenger Rail Project in Highland, Calif., is now in the Final Design Phase. The project is expected to drive and support the growth of the local economy while attracting and retaining businesses and employers.
TRB accepting proposals for Rail Safety IDEA Program
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is accepting proposals for the Rail Safety IDEA Program, which supports the development and testing of innovative concepts and methods for improving railroad safety or performance. Rail Safety IDEA proposals are due Sept. 15, 2016.
WSDOT begins track, signal improvements at King Street Station
Construction began March 11 on track and signal improvements at the King Street Station in Seattle, Wash. The work is part of the $50.4-million King Street Station Track Improvements project overseen by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
SCVTA BART Silicon Valley Project Phase II receives key FTA approval
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has given Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) the green light to enter the six-mile Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II Extension into the project development phase of the Federal New Starts funding program.
BNSF plans $100M capital plan for Kansas
BNSF’s 2016 capital expenditure program in Kansas will be about $100 million and focus on maintenance projects that help ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable network. The largest component of this year’s capital plan in the state will be for replacing and upgrading rail, ties and ballast.
KCS promotes Songer to EVP/COO
Kansas City Southern has promoted Jeffrey Songer from senior vice president engineering and chief transportation officer to executive vice president and chief operating officer. In addition to his responsibilities for transportation and engineering, he is now also responsible for the mechanical function. Songer reports to KCS president Patrick Ottensmeyer.
Atlantic Track, RCCSJ host congressional representatives
On March 9, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member company Atlantic Track & Turnout Co. for a tour of its facility in St. Clair, Pa.
BNSF to replace 280k ties, 30 miles of rail in Illinois
BNSF’s 2016 capital expenditure program in Illinois will be about $180 million, which will focus on maintenance projects and improvements to BNSF facilities. The railroad says this year’s plan in Illinois brings capital investments more in line with forecasted customer freight service demand.