Amtrak Texas Eagle moves to TRE corridor
Amtrak has concluded negotiations and changed the route of the Texas Eagle train between Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas, to run on the Trinity Rail Express (TRE) corridor.
Harvard report makes recommendations to strengthen MBTA fiscal position
In the wake of last winter’s severe service disruptions and the ongoing debate over cost overruns associated with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line extension, Charles Chieppo, a senior fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School released a report outlining a number of reforms intended to put the MBTA fiscal house in order.
RailComm completes system installation at two yard projects
In the month of December, RailComm completed installation of its products at two yards in Mississippi and Florida.
Loram names Willems CFO, promotes two to director positions
Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., appointed Brad Willems to the executive position of chief financial officer. In his new role, Willems will have the responsibility for all corporate accounting, tax and information technology roles, in addition to providing oversight of the friction management business unit.
Minnesota transit board approves funds for commuter, transit project
The Minnesota Counties Transit Improvement Board authorized funding for three rail projects on December 16.
MnDOT cuts Northern Lights Express cost projections
The Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance, in conjunction with Minnesota Department of Transportation (MdDOT) and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), has cut the Northern Lights Express high-speed passenger rail project (NLX) cost in half.
Chicago RTA 2016 budget to fund CTA, Metra improvements
Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors adopted the 2016 operating budgets, which will fund Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra improvements next year.
D.C. Streetcar begins pre-revenue operations
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in Washington, D.C., has started Pre-Revenue Operations (PRO) for the DC Streetcar as DDOT prepares the system for safety certification to carry passengers.
NRC selects Cosmo Lawrence Laurello for Hall of Fame
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Hall of Fame Selection Committee unanimously selected Cosmo Lawrence Laurello, known as Larry, Sr., as this year’s only entrant into the NRC Hall of Fame, who will be honored at the 2016 NRC Conference in San Diego, Calif.
NRC awards 2015 Field Employee and Rail Construction Project of the Year
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) selected the winners of its 2015 Field Employee of the Year and Project of the Year awards, which will be recognized at the 2016 NRC Conference in San Diego, Calif.
RTD nears completion of 64th Avenue grade separation
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver is nearing completion of its 64th Avenue Bridge between Pecos Street and Federal Boulevard. The bridge replaces a portion of the existing 64th Avenue roadway and an at-grade railroad crossing with a grade-separated crossing.
Wabtec signs PTC contracts with Metra, Parsons Transportation Group
Wabtec Corporation signed contracts worth approximately $45 million to provide equipment and services for a Positive Train Control (PTC) system for Chicago’s Metra commuter rail system. The contracts are with Metra and Parsons Transportation Group.
Gross & Janes appoints three to executive, senior management positions
Gross & Janes Co. has named Scott McBride vice president of procurement, appointed Bill Behan to vice president of plant operations and promoted Heather Bridges to controller.
CTC allocates more than $96 million for California rail projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has adopted 27 projects, valued at nearly $154 million, that it says will support needed upkeep on California’s aging roads and bridges, alleviate traffic delays and encourage use of alternative forms of transportation, including biking, walking and transit. CTC has allocated more than $96 million for rail projects alone.
Metro-North details results of track work initiative
Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad has detailed its latest results of a systemwide track reconstruction effort that has rebuilt miles of the railroad in the past two and a half years, delivering smoother, safer and more reliable service to customers.
SLSI names Executive Director; selects Advisory Board, Board of Directors
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has selected Ron Hynes as Executive Director to “advance its mission of providing the leadership to enhance the safety culture and safety conformance of short line and regional railroads,” the organization announced on Dec. 14, 2015.
Hanson receives FAA exemption for drone flights
Hanson Professional Services Inc. has received an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration that allows unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operation.
Officials dedicate Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley rail extension
A dedication ceremony for the 91/Perris Valley commuter rail extension from Riverside to Perris, Calif., was held Dec. 11.
NYCT completes review of AC lines; identifies improvement areas
Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) has completed a full, end-to-end review of the A and C Lines, the fourth such comprehensive study joining previous reviews of the F, L and G Lines.
Metro-North hires chief safety officer
Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad named Justin Vonashek as the agency’s new vice president of system safety, where he will oversee all efforts to ensure the safety of its customers and employees as it continues to improve work practices and invest in new technology and equipment.