PUCO approves upgrades at five rail crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved funding authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing rail crossing warning device upgrades at five crossings.
BNSF outlines winter prep plans
BNSF says it will go into the 2014-2015 winter season better prepared than ever before, especially if the United States experiences a return of the polar vortex. The 2013-2014 winter was one of the most severe winters the United States has experienced in decades with extreme temperatures that persisted for long periods and created special challenges for operating the railroad.
LACMTA to close stations for Blue Line improvements
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) Blue Line Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim stations in Long Beach will each receive a second canopy along with improvements, such as lighting, new paint, replacement of worn or damaged tiles and the installation of new tracks and track beds.
FASTRACK returns to Manhattan and Queens Nov. 3
On November 3, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit’s (NYCT) FASTRACK program returns to the E, F, M and R lines in Manhattan and Queens for four consecutive weeknights. E service will be suspended between Roosevelt Av. and World Trade Center; F service will be suspended between Roosevelt Av. and 21 St-Queensbridge; M service will end early between 71 Av. and Essex St. each night and R service will end early between 71 Av. and 36 St. in Brooklyn each night.
Transport Canada addresses safety issues linked to Lac-Mégantic
Transport Canada is implementing measures to address the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s (TSB) recommendations stemming from its final report on the Lac-Mégantic train derailment.
Pennsylvania awards funds to 86 multimodal projects
Pennsylvania has awarded $84 million to fund 86 multimodal projects in 35 counties in the state, including nine rail-specific projects.
Construction begins on new Amtrak Rochester, N.Y., station
Construction has started on the $29.8-million Amtrak Rochester Intermodal Station in Rochester, N.Y., which will reduce regional delays by expanding track service at the station, increase functionality through a new and redesigned concourse and enhance the overall passenger experience in the larger, modern station. Construction is expected to be completed by 2017.
NTSB cites poor safety management in five Metro-North accidents
In its investigation of five Metro-North accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified several recurring safety issues, including inadequate and ineffective track inspection and maintenance, extensive deferred maintenance issues, inadequate safety oversight and deficiencies in passenger car crashworthiness, roadway worker protection procedures and organizational safety culture.
L.B. Foster to Acquire Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH Railroad Tuning Unit (FWO)
L.B. Foster Company plans to acquire the railroad tuning unit, FWO, of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH. The German business provides track lubrication and switch roller equipment for international railway applications.
All Aboard Florida begins construction on Ft. Lauderdale Station
October 29, 2014, marked the start of construction for All Aboard Florida‘s downtown Fort Lauderdale station. The existing building was demolished so construction on the nearly 60,000-square-foot station and platform can begin.
BNSF names Utah Railway Shortline of the Year
BNSF has named Utah Railway as the 2014 Shortline of the Year. Utah Railway operates about 423 miles along the heavily-populated Wasatch Front Corridor, serving a wide variety of customers with growing volumes in Utah.
Amtrak assembles blue ribbon panel to address Chicago gridlock
Amtrak is establishing a blue ribbon panel of rail and transportation leaders to identify infrastructure and operational improvements to address the rail traffic gridlock in Chicago. Amtrak said the unprecedented level of rail congestion is causing major delays for Amtrak passengers and freight shipments.
MTA hires former NTSB managing director as first head of safety; board to consider contract for pocket track and bridge replacement
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has named David Mayer as the agency’s new chief safety officer.
Caltrain celebrates a decade of Baby Bullet service; coalition to coordinate funds for modernization
As Caltrain marks its 10th year of Baby Bullet service, major employers that have grown their companies along the Caltrain/101 corridor announced the formation of a new advocacy coalition that will work to support efforts to expand Caltrain capacity and service as the system struggles to meet the unprecedented ridership and financial demands it’s facing.
Proposed 2015 CTA budget holds fares, continues system improvements
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has proposed a balanced $1.44 billion budget that, for the fourth year in a row, maintains or improves transit service levels and holds the line on base fares, while continuing investment in projects and programs to improve the customer experience and modernize regional transit.
Contract awarded for three new Connecticut to Massachusetts rail stations
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) revealed plans for three new train stations in Wallingford, Meriden and Berlin, Conn., as part of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program.
MTA marks 110 years of New York subway service
October 27th, 2014, marks the 110th anniversary of the New York City Transit subway system. The first train ran north from City Hall to 145th Street and Broadway. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) notes that the New York City Transit system that now benefits 5.8 million daily customers sprang from a single line that didn’t leave the confines of Manhattan.
Foothill Gold Line completes work at 14 crossings ahead of schedule
On the heels of last week’s completion of all light rail track installation for the Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority has achieved another major milestone for the project – completion of all 14 grade crossings for the 11.5-mile light-rail extension, three months ahead of schedule.
MTA works to fight “slime” on rail lines
The foliage, while colorful and plentiful this time of year, is not always ideal for the railroad, notes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). That’s because when leaves fall on the rails, they become crushed and produce an oily substance known as pectin. MTA says this “slime” can cause wheels to slip or slide when a train attempts to speed up or slow down, often leading to minor service delays.
Washington state seeks input on state-owned railways
As part of an ongoing effort to improve the movement of goods produced on Northwest farms, officials are asking for input from eastern Washington citizens, businesses and communities to help make state-owned rail lines better.