Grade crossing safety improvements made in North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division recently made crossing safety improvements at an intersection near Kernersville, N.C.
PATCO to enter final stages of Ben Franklin Bridge rehab
Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) will begin the final stages of its 18-month effort to completely rehabilitate the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Rail being installed for LIRR Double Track Project
Workers began installing the first sections of rail on the $388-million Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Double Track Project, which will build a second track over an 18-mile stretch between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma stations.
WMATA derailment report says defect data was deleted; broken fasteners undetected
As part of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s (WMATA) investigation into the cause of an August 6 derailment, a technical incident report has been released.
OTC adopts new rules, adds more inspectors to increase rail safety
The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) approved an updated set of rules for transporting hazardous materials by rail. Combined with Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) addition of four rail inspectors, the rules aim to improve the state’s ability to both prevent incidents and respond to them if they do occur.
New Holyoke Station restores Amtrak service to area
Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Pollack joined Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse along with state and local officials Aug. 27 to celebrate the opening of the new $4.3-million Holyoke Train Station on the Knowledge Corridor and restoration of Amtrak Vermonter Line service.
TriMet testing MAX Orange Line in preparation for September opening
On Aug. 30, TriMet MAX Orange Line test trains will begin running frequently along the 7.3-mile route between Downtown Portland and north Clackamas County in preparation for its opening Sept. 12
FRA issues ballast repair safety advisory
The Federal Railroad Administration issued a safety advisory to emphasize the importance of timely repairs of ballast defects and conditions on main tracks.
Phoenix votes to approve long-range light-rail extending transportation plan
Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050, a transportation plan which as developed by a citizen-led committee of transportation experts and community advocates and expands investment in light-rail construction by building an additional 42 miles of light rail throughout the city.
Siemens to automate MTA’s Queens Boulevard subway line
Siemens has been awarded a $156-million contract by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to install Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) on the Queens Boulevard Line.
DEIS released for Durham-Orange light rail
The Federal Transit Administration on Aug. 20 signed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed 17-mile Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project, which would run from Chapel Hill to Durham, N.C.
USDOT awards grants to promote transit careers
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $9.5 million in grants to 19 projects in 13 states selected to help train a new generation of skilled workers and support long-term careers in the public transportation industry.
SamTrans undergoes management reorganization
The management team at SamTrans is being restructured to improve the operating efficiency and the administrative functions of SamTrans, Caltrain and San Mateo County Transportation Authority.
AREMA names new executive director and CEO
The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Board of Governors has appointed Elizabeth Caruso, CAE, as AREMA’s executive director and chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2015.
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners acquires Regional Rail
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has completed the acquisition of Regional Rail, LLC (Regional Rail), operator of shortline railroads and rail-related businesses in the United States.
USDOT report provides transportation jobs outlook
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), along with the departments of Education and Labor, released a joint report, “Strengthening Skills Training and Career Pathways across the Transportation Industry,” which details future employment hot spots in transportation by industry subsectors, occupations, career areas and geographic areas.
INRD to perform crossing blitz for rail safety week
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has declared the week of Aug. 23-29 as Indiana Rail Safety Week and the Indiana Rail Road (INRD) is participating via a grade-crossing blitz in partnership with the Terre Haute Police Department and Indiana Operation Lifesaver.
NJ Transit to receive additional $71 million for Sandy recovery efforts
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will award New Jersey Transit $71 million in Sandy recovery funds to support important repair and resiliency projects.
Valley Metro opens Central Mesa extension
Valley Metro‘s 3.1-mile light-rail extension connecting riders with downtown Mesa, Ariz., began service August 22, seven months ahead of schedule. The extension includes four new stations located on Main Street at Alma School Road, Country Club Drive, Center Street and Mesa Drive.
SacRT opens Blue Line light-rail extension
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Blue Line light-rail extension to Cosumnes River College (CRC) opened August 24, earlier than its original date in September in order to accommodate the fall semester start at Cosumnes River College and Los Rios Community College District campuses.