MBTA opens Yawkey Station
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority opened its new Yawkey Station and marked the start of enhanced passenger rail service on the Framingham/Worcester Line.
Maryland Transit Administration to close three LRT stations for crossing improvement project
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is launching a track crossing improvement project at Union Avenue and Clipper Mill Road March 14 that will temporarily close three light-rail stations at Mt. Washington, W. Cold Spring and Woodberry.
Massachusetts Senate approves transportation bond bill
The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the commonwealth’s transportation system.
Keolis North America awarded MBTA contract
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has awarded Keolis North America a $2.6-billion, eight-year contract to manage, operate and maintain the passenger rail service. The contract includes the option for two additional two-year extensions and if granted, the total contract value would rise to $4.2 billion over 12 years.
UP to begin Nebraska crossing project
Union Pacific will begin a$1-million track improvement project in Nebraska March 10 and will start at the Webb Road crossing and progress eastward through Grand Island. The work is anticipated to be completed in three weeks.
Watco names Grand Elk Railroad GM
Watco Transportation Services appointed Larry McCloud to general manager of the Grand Elk Railroad where he will be responsible for daily operations, specifically focusing on improving safety, productivity and efficiency.
Valley View grade separation underpass scheduled to open in April
An underpass that is an integral element of the Valley View Avenue Grade Separation Project in California is scheduled to open in April with the full project slated for completion in August.
TriMet Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail bridge now connected to land
TriMet‘s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Bridge over the Willamette River is now connected to land in the South Waterfront area, making the overall 7.3-mile transit project 70 percent complete.
Everitt appointed interim CEO of Harsco Corporation
Harsco Corporation has named David Everitt interim president and chief executive officer after Patrick Decker stepped down to become CEO of Xylem Inc.
USDOT says proposed budget would address infrastructure deficit
U.S. Department of Transportation says its $90.9 billion proposed budget would lay a new foundation for economic growth and competitiveness by addressing growing infrastructure deficit, investing in the national infrastructure network and increasing safety and efficiency.
FTA capital investment programs get boost under president’s proposed budget
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program is getting a funding boost under President Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget. The proposed budget for 2015 includes $2.5 billion for FTA’s grant programs and represents an increase of $400 million over the requested 2014 budget.
Winter Park station opens in Florida
The Winter Park rail station, which serves both Amtrak and SunRail passengers, officially opened in Florida March 3 with a grand opening ceremony, which was attended by officials from Amtrak, city of Winter Park, Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and other community leaders.
CN completes sale of Quebec line to AMT for commuter service
Canadian National closed the sale of a rail line in Quebec to Agence métropolitaine de transports (AMT) for CA$97 million (US$87 million). The line is principally used by AMT commuter trains between Deux-Montagnes and Montreal’s Central Station.
NYSDOT initiates “inspection blitz” of rail facilities and cars
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has launched a series of inspections to safeguard New York’s residents from potentialincidents involving the shipment of crude oil by rail throughout the state.
Caltrain releases electrification project draft environmental report
Caltrain has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the planned electrification of the corridor between San Jose and San Francisco, Calif., which will upgrade the signal system, implement Positive Train Control, electrify the corridor and purchase new high-performance electric multiple units (EMUs).
Amtrak returns to Denver Union Station
Amtrak moved back to Denver Union Station at February 28, 2014, after being temporarily relocated during construction for redevelopment of the historic building, new commuter rail station and underground bus concourse.
Aecon partnership recommended for Waterloo Region LRT project
GrandLinq consortium, which is comprised of Plenary Group, Meridiam, Aecon, Kiewit and Keolis, has been recommended for the development of the Region of Waterloo Stage 1 Light Rail Transit Project in Ontario, Canada.
USDOT report on highway, transit conditions points to need for more investment
A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report on the state of America’s transportation infrastructure, 2013 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges and Transit: Conditions and Performance, concludes that more investment is needed to maintain and improve the nation’s highway and transit systems.
Sound Transit to study alignment for potential Tacoma Link expansion
Sound Transit has identified an alignment along Stadium Way and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to the Hilltop District for the planned expansion of Tacoma Link light-rail service.
NYCT continues Montague Tube reconstruction through a cold, hard winter
Deep through the heart of winter, work on New York City Transit‘s Montague Tube continues with a focus on the demolition of concrete walls and removal of debris caused by Superstorm Sandy.