• April 22, 2015
• OFF Track Maintenance

IDOT launches statewide listening tour to discuss Illinois infrastructure needs

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with the Illinois Capital Development Board, has started a series of listening sessions to discuss the state’s infrastructure needs and the steps required “to make sure the right investments are being made to keep Illinois competitive in a 21st century global economy.” The meetings will be held in multiple communities throughout the state over the next month, with a goal of presenting Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office with a comprehensive package of recommendations for consideration this spring.

• April 22, 2015
• Class 1

Maestri and Martίnez assume new responsibilities for Norfolk Southern; Wimbush retires

Bruno Maestri and Robert Martίnez will assume additional responsibilities for Norfolk Southern, following the retirement of F. Blair Wimbush, the railroad’s vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. The changes take effect May 1, 2015.

• April 21, 2015
• Class 1

Another PTC extension bill enters the fray

Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced their version of a Positive Train Control (PTC) extension bill that joins a similar effort introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).

• April 21, 2015
• Intercity

Five teams to bid on fourth construction package for California high-speed rail

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) received five qualified bids for Construction Package 4 (CP4) – the next 22-mile mile phase of construction through the counties of Tulare and Kern and the cities of Wasco and Shafter.

• April 21, 2015
• OFF Track Maintenance

RailComm installs shove track protection system

RailComm has completed the implementation of a shove track protection system for a private coal mining facility located in Alabama. RailComm provided indication and detection subsystems, as well as wireless communications to keep both subsystems in communication.

• April 20, 2015
• ON Track Maintenance

Ontario commits provincial funds to GO Transit expansion

Through its Moving Ontario Forward plan, the Ontario government is investing in improvements across the GO Transit network to increase transit ridership, reduce travel times, manage congestion, connect people to jobs and improve the economy.

• April 20, 2015
• Shortline/Regional

Rep. Jerry McNerney tours Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad

U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA-9) joined representatives from the Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad (STE), OmniTRAX and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) for a tour of STE’s facility April 8.

• April 20, 2015
• Rapid Transit/Light Rail

Eglinton Crosstown TBMs moved to begin western segment boring

Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have moved to begin tunneling the western segment of the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit (LRT).

• April 20, 2015
• Intercity

CHSRA appoints executive staff

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) named five to executive staff. CHSRA named Scott Jarvis chief engineer, Kevin Thompson director of engineering, Bruce Armistead director of operations and maintenance, Alan Glen director of real property and William Robinson senior legislative analyst.

• April 17, 2015
• Class 1

CN locomotive engineers ratify new labor agreement

Canadian National locomotive engineers, represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union, have ratified a new collective agreement with the railroad.

• April 17, 2015
• OFF Track Maintenance

Ricardo to acquire Lloyd’s Register Rail

Ricardo has signed a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire the business, operating assets and employees of Lloyd’s Register Rail (LR Rail) for £42.5 million (US$63.5 million).

• April 16, 2015
• Safety

FRA awards eight grants totaling $21.2 million

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded eight grants totaling more than $21.2 million that invest in grade-crossing safety, Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation and passenger rail.

• April 16, 2015
• Commuter/Regional

Metra implements close call reporting system

Chicago’s Metra has created the “Confidential Close Call Reporting System,” which is designed to proactively address safety issues and create a more positive safety culture.

• April 16, 2015
• Class 1

CN plans capital program to upgrade western Canada feeder rail lines

Canadian National‘s multi-year capital program will invest approximately CA$500 million (US$409 million) in infrastructure improvements for its western Canada feeder rail lines in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan that are handling rising volumes of industrial products, natural resources and energy-related commodities.

• April 16, 2015
• Ballast, Ties, Rail

BNSF and CSX extend contracts with Koppers

Koppers Inc. has agreed to contract extensions with each of its two largest railroad customers, BNSF and CSX. Combined revenues from BNSF and CSX accounted for approximately 40 percent of 2014 railroad-related sales for the company.

• April 15, 2015
• Safety

BART affirms safety is top priority following NTSB report

Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) reiterated its commitment to employee safety following the issuance of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) final report regarding an October 2013 accident in which two engineering employees were struck and killed.

• April 15, 2015
• Class 1

BNSF recognizes Employees of the Year

BNSF recognized a special group of employees for their outstanding achievements in 2014 at an awards ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, April 13.

• April 15, 2015
• Commuter/Regional

Federal grant to help Amtrak install PTC in New York

New York has received a $3-million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Intercity Passenger Rail Grade Crossing Improvements, Positive Train Control Implementation and Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan Grant Program.

• April 15, 2015
• OFF Track Maintenance

AAR launches latest Freight Rail Works campaign

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) debuted the latest installment of its Freight Rail Works campaign, an exploration of freight rail’s investments in building, growing and maintaining the nation’s freight rail network. The campaign combines television, radio and online components to showcase the projects and innovation that help give U.S. businesses a competitive edge.

• April 15, 2015
• Ballast, Ties, Rail

Rep. Steve Cohen tours Atlantic Track’s Memphis facility

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (R-TN-09) joined representatives from Atlantic Track and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) for a tour of Atlantic Track’s Memphis, Tenn., operations and facility.