Charlotte authorizes $250 million for two LYNX Blue Line projects
Charlotte City Council has authorized $249.8 million for construction of LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) and Blue Line Capacity projects.
CTA plans to rebuild northern section of Red Line and parallel Purple Line
Chicago Transit Authority revealed the next step in its continued effort to modernize the Red Line. The first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) program, which will completely rebuild the northern section of the Red Line and the parallel Purple Line is expected to begin this fall.
MTA awards two East Side Access contracts
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded two contracts for the East Side Access project, the transportation megaproject that is connecting Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) customers to Grand Central Terminal.
TriMet unveils name of Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Bridge: Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People
The TriMet Bridge Naming Committee unanimously selected “Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People” for the name for the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Bridge, which will be the first cable-stayed bridge for the region, extending 1,720 feet over the river.
Massachusetts awards grants for freight projects
Massachusetts awarded seven grants totaling $2.5 million for industrial rail projects as part of the 2014 Industrial Rail Access Program (IRAP), which is being matched by more than $1.9 million in private sector funds for a total $4.5 million investment.
LACMTA staff recommends design-build contractor for Regional Connector
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) staff has recommended a $927.2-million design/build contract be awarded to Regional Connector Constructors (a Joint Venture between Skanska USA Civil West California District, Inc., and Traylor Bros. Inc.) to build the Regional Connector project.
Materials handling
Safety of employees continues to be top priority when it comes to materials handling equipment.
Overcoming obstacles: The Carlsbad Double Track and Bridge Project
Creating capacity within an existing infrastructure footprint can be a tricky task, but one the Carlsbad Double Track and Bridge Project succeeds in doing.
The real zeal behind railroad maintenance
While Reading & Northern may be smaller in size to other railroads, its employees are never short on enthusiasm, dedication and passion when it comes to maintaining its assets.
Canadian government’s subsidy to CN for Algoma Central Railway operation extended a year
The government of Canada will extend its CA$2.2-million (US$2-million) federal subsidy to Canadian National for the operation of the Algoma Central Railway (ACR) passenger rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, Ontario, until March 31, 2015.
Ontario commits transit funds to keep “Moving Ontario Forward”
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says the government is planning to build a seamless and integrated transportation network across the Canadian province with its “Moving Ontario Forward” plan, which will create jobs, boost productivity and help Ontario grow and prosper.
SEPTA to hold FY 15 budget hearings for residents
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will hold the first of a series of hearings on the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan on April 16, in Doylestown. The hearings will provide riders and other residents an opportunity to ask questions and submit comments on the spending plan.
Military Times EDGE names UP Best for Vets Employer in 2014
Military Times EDGE named Union Pacific among the Best for Vets 2014 Employers. Union Pacific’s number five ranking marks the fourth consecutive year the railroad has been in the top 10.
Amtrak, Maryland DOT, FRA partner on Susquehanna River Bridge study
Amtrak, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has launched a preliminary engineering study for rehabilitation or possible replacement of the 108-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge.
LIRR begins Long Beach Branch restoration project
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is starting a $120-million construction program designed to protect the LIRR’s Long Beach Branch from the kind of devastating damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
NS Bellevue Yard expansion nearing completion
A major expansion at Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Bellevue Yard in Ohio is nearing completion and is expected to wrap up construction by the end of this year.
INRD funds upcycling research looking at turning ties into biofuel
Through a grant from the Indiana Rail Road (INRD), the Coalition for Sustainable Rail (CSR) is initiating research on conversion of used railroad ties into an advanced biofuel, which is a first look into the viability of upcycling used railroad ties.
SCVTA celebrates 25th anniversary
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) celebrated its 25th anniversary April 11. The light-rail system began as a 6.6-mile segment and has grown into 42.2 miles, 62 stations, 21 park and ride lots and a fleet of 104 trains and trolleys.
Koppers to acquire Osmose wood preservation and railroad services businesses
Koppers Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire the Wood Preservation and Railroad Services businesses of Osmose Holdings, Inc.
Illinois to fund restoration of Chicago to Rockford Amtrak service
The state of Illinois will make a $223-million state capital investment that will create hundreds of jobs and restart Amtrak service between Rockford and Chicago beginning in 2015.