Amtrak activates PTC along NEC
Amtrak activated the final stretch of Positive Train Control (PTC) along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) on Dec. 18. The technology is now active on all Amtrak-owned track between Washington, D.C., and Boston.
B&P Tunnel DEIS released
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Amtrak and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the B&P Tunnel Project Dec. 18.
Sound Transit, LACMTA projects move forward with omnibus bill allocations
The passage of the Omnibus Appropriations bill late last week solidified funding for transit projects through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts/Small Starts program. Transit agencies, such as Sound Transit and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), are hailing the bill’s passage as progress for major transit expansion projects.
Omnibus bill extends shortline tax credit, funds TIGER and safety grants
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed a monster spending bill late last week, which will keep federal agencies funded through the end of September 2016.
Northern Manitoba First Nations to purchase OmniTRAX Canada property
OmniTRAX Canada has accepted a letter of intent from a group of Northern Manitoba First Nations for the purchase of its Manitoba assets. This triggers a 45-day due diligence period in which both parties will work together to ensure that a purchase becomes a reality.
MTA plans major projects in 2016 for Flushing Line
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has scheduled critical work in 2016 on the Flushing 7 Line between Manhattan and Queens.
Sound Transit Board approves 2016 budget with focus on rail system expansion
The Sound Transit Board approved a $1.2-billion 2016 budget that provides $802.9 million in light rail and other system expansions.
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.