BNSF names Austin Western Railroad its shortline of the year
BNSF has named Austin Western Railroad (AWRR) as its 2015 Shortline Railroad of the Year during its annual Shortline Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
PANYNJ approves construction of GCT Bayonne ship-to-rail facility
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved construction of GCT Bayonne ship-to-rail facility – a project that completes the agency’s $600 million initiative to provide all of its major marine terminals with direct access to rail.
Montreal’s STM proposes three-year, US$2.1 billion capital program
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) proposed a three-year capital expenditures program (PTI) valued at more than CA$2.8 billion (US$2.1 billion). The plan outlines spending between 2016 – 2018 on those investments needed to upgrade or replace equipment and infrastructure that have or will reach the end of their service life in the next few years.
Foothill Gold Line to open March 2016
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) says that the Gold Line Foothill Extension Project will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 5, 2016.
RTD rail service to Denver airport to begin April 2016
Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) received notice from Denver Transit Partners that the University of Colorado A Line commuter rail service from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport (DIA) will be ready for service on April 22, 2016.
VRE says service suspension imminent without PTC extension
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) gave notice that it will be forced to suspend some, if not all, of its commuter rail service in Virginia and Washington, D.C., after December 31, 2015 if Congress does not act to extend the deadline for implementing Positive Train Control (PTC).
SANDAG Board adopts 35-year regional transportation plan
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors voted unanimously on October 9, 2015, to adopt the final version of San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan, a sweeping blueprint for the future that will invest $204 billion into transportation infrastructure projects over the next 35 years.
Trio of Illinois Congressmen urge passing of PTC extension
On Oct. 21, U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-IL-5), a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations subcommittee, Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee and Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03)
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.