Norfolk Southern says no PIH commodities, no passenger service due to PTC deadline
Norfolk Southern said its rail operating subsidiaries will no longer accept shipments of Poisonous-Inhalation-Hazard (PIH) commodities, effective Dec. 1, 2015.
Georgia Ports Authority plans $152 million capital plan for Brunswick
At the annual Brunswick State of the Port event October 20, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Executive Director Curtis Foltz discussed an ambitious $152 million capital improvement plan for Brunswick terminals during the next 10 years.
GREX names Grissom COO/EVP customer delivery
Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) promoted current Vice President Engineering Greg Grissom to chief operating officer/executive vice president customer delivery.
Contract awarded for Metrolinx RER electrification
Turner & Townsend, a program management and construction consultancy firm, has been selected to support a five-year project to modernize Metrolinx’s Regional Express Rail (RER).
Texas Central enters agreement for engineering and pre-construction work
Texas Central Partners entered into an agreement with Dallas to Houston Constructors (DHC), a joint venture between Archer Western Construction and Ferrovial Agroman US Corp. (FAUS), that includes engineering and pre-construction work valued at $130 million.
CSX to close mechanical shops in Corbin, Ky.
As CSX continues to evaluate network resources and match them to demand in a changing business environment, the company plans to close its mechanical shops in Corbin, Ky.
Gov. Walker proclaims it Wisconsin Freight Rail Week
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has proclaimed October 19 to 25 Wisconsin Freight Rail Week, where the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) will team up to promote, educate and celebrate the freight rail system that contributes to the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.
Amtrak Cascades celebrates 20 years of international rail service
It has been 20 years since the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Amtrak launched Amtrak Cascades passenger train service to Canada. Today, international ridership on the line continues to grow and benefit economies on both sides of the border.
National Freight Strategic Plan provides roadmap to freight transport challenges
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released the draft National Freight Strategic Plan that offers specific policy proposals and solutions to address the challenges of moving freight in the U.S.
CTA to restore Yellow Line service at the end of October
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Yellow Line service will resume Friday, October 30, following an embankment collapse this past May.
Chicago Union Station revitalization plan moves forward
Amtrak, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority revealed a set of initiatives on Friday aimed at advancing the master plan to redevelop Chicago’s Union Station.
Rep. Norcross tours Port of Paulsboro rail project
On October 15, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey (RCCSJ) for a tour of its facility and its project at the Port of Paulsboro.
Metra’s 2016 budget includes fare increase to cover PTC, capital needs
Chicago’s Metra has proposed a $945.5 million budget that provides for $759.8 million in operating costs and $185.7 million to fund capital improvements in 2016.
Work to begin next week in Kansas for Amtrak Southwest Chief upgrades
Work is expected to begin next week on infrastructure improvements for the Amtrak Southwest Chief route, which will upgrade several miles of the La Junta subdivision of the BNSF Kansas Division to support passenger train speeds.
Lehigh Valley’s “Road to Rail” initiative studying possible passenger rail service
A study being led by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is looking at the possibility of restoring passenger rail to Philadelphia.
Caltrain to ramp up safety strategy following crossing incidents
Caltrain is working to develop and promote new strategies for encouraging safe behavior around its railroad tracks following a series of incidents in which vehicles illegally stopped at rail crossings and caused collisions with oncoming trains.
CTA awards 95th Street Terminal construction contract
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board has approved the award of a construction contract for the new, modern and larger 95th Street Terminal, one of the largest rail station projects in CTA history that will modernize transit and promote economic opportunity on Chicago’s south side.
SEPTA names new deputy GM
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has promoted Richard Burnfield to deputy general manager. He will also continue to serve as SEPTA’s treasurer, a position he has held for the past seven years. He will report directly to General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel.
Gillespie Joins Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems Practice as VP
Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems (GFT&RS) has hired Andrew Gillespie, PE, as vice president of the Transit and Rail Systems division and director of special projects.
SEDA-COG JRA, Graymont rail project supports clean coal
The SEDA – Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority (JRA), its private operator, Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, and Graymont, a lime and limestone product supplier, are partnering on a rail project aimed at moving material that helps reduce power plan emissions.