RTD bench testing crossing signals for I-225 rail line
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver began off-site “bench testing” in January of train and traffic signals for at-grade crossings on the FasTracks I-225 Rail R Line.
LACMTA lays out plan to advance projects to “shovel ready” stage
In an action to move major rail, bus and highway projects closer to implementation, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) implemented a strategy to aggressively accelerate projects to help bring them to a “shovel-ready” state.
Former SFMTA and SCVTA CEO to lead Caltrain Modernization Program
Michael Burns, who retired as the chief executive officer for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) in 2014, will take the reins of the Caltrain Modernization Program, which the acengy called the most transformative project in the rail system’s 150-year history. Burns was appointed interim chief, Caltrain Modernization officer. He will begin his new role Feb. 8.
Construction on Metrolinx’s East Rail Maintenance Facility progressing
Officials with the province of Ontario say the construction Metrolinx‘s East Rail Maintenance Facility, which will support GO Transit’s planned service expansions including Regional Express Rail program, is well underway.
FRA gives go ahead to new BWI rail station
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the new Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) rail station. The project includes adding a fourth track to nine miles of the Northeast Corridor surrounding BWI and reconfiguring the platforms to allow boarding from all four tracks.
Elected officials tout grade separation proposal in Moorhead, MN
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and local elected officials visited the site of a proposed $42-million grade-separation project in Moorhead.
Metrolink to begin tie replacement project
Beginning Feb. 8, Metrolink will begin replacing 21,000 crossties in Orange County, Calif., over the course of nine weeks between the cities of Orange and San Juan Capistrano.
UP grade separation in Arizona approved
The Arizona Corporation Commission approved an upgrade to a busy Tucson Union Pacific railroad crossing that will improve safety and traffic flow.
Thomas named terminal manager for Tradepoint Atlantic Railroad
Tradepoint Atlantic, a 3,100-acre multimodal industrial site in Baltimore, Md., has named Paul Thomas terminal manager, where he will be responsible for developing an operating and capital investment strategy for Tradepoint Atlantic’s shortline railroad.
Two transit projects to benefit from Ontario’s second green bond
Ontario has successfully issued its second green bond, raising CA$750 million (US$542 million) to support environmentally friendly, low-carbon infrastructure projects. Proceeds from the bond will help fund eight projects including, transit, and create jobs in communities across Ontario. The bonds have a maturity date of January 27, 2023.
Metro-North ridership hits all time high, but LIRR still busiest
Ridership increased significantly on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad in 2015, giving a significant boost to the economic health of the regions they serve, said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
NTSB opens Amtrak 188 accident docket; analysis ongoing
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened the accident docket and publicly released more than 2,000 pages of information as part of it’s ongoing investigation of the May 12, 2015 Amtrak passenger train derailment in Philadelphia.
LACMTA names TBM for Crenshaw/LAX line; pre-revenue testing begins on Gold Line Foothill Extension
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) named the Crenshaw/LAX Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) Harriet, after Harriet Tubman, the former slave and key player in the Underground Railroad that helped slaves escape the south for the north.
MBTA dedicates new South Acton Station
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) joined the federal, state and local public officials and neighbors in South Acton, Mass., on January 30, to celebrate the recent opening of the New South Acton Commuter Rail Station.
Connecticut bond commission approves funds for Metro-North yard
Connecticut has allocated $17.5 million in state funding for the design, engineering and construction of a new rail yard on the Metro-North Railroad Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. The funding comes under Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy “Let’s Go CT!” initiative, which is making investments to upgrade and modernize the state’s transportation system.
SEDA-COG JRA partners with Columbia County on flood protection project
The Susquehanna Economic Development Association-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority (JRA) in Pennsylvania has partnered with the Columbia County Commissioners on recently completed trackwork to support the Bloomsburg Flood Protection Project.
SEPTA celebrates new West Terminal at 69th Transportation Center
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officially opened the new West Terminal at 69th Street Transportation Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 29.
MTC awards $447 million to Bay Area transit systems for improvements
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in Oakland, Calif., has allocated $494 million to help more than 20 San Francisco Bay Area transit agencies replace or rehabilitate aging buses, ferries, rail cars, tracks and bridges; update safety, control and communications systems; install new fare-collection equipment;
Sound Transit to expand layover yard
The Sound Transit Board of Directors has selected Shimmick Construction to design and build a $13.2-million expansion of the agency’s Sounder layover facilities in Lakewood, Wash.
MnDOT suspends Zip Rail work; awards study to private company
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has suspended its work on the proposed high-speed rail line project, Zip Rail, between the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Rochester, Minn., pending action by the Olmsted County Regional Railroad Authority next week.