SCVTA names new GM
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) Board of Directors has appointed Nuria Fernandez to general manager, effective early December 2013.
All Aboard Florida secures right-of-way, station agreements
All Aboard Florida, the intercity passenger rail project to connect Miami to Orlando, reached two significant agreements this week for right-of-way access and station development.
Annual crosstie report 2013
Crossties can be made from a variety of materials and all parts of the industry report strong growth in 2013.
The trials of track inspection
Automated track inspection is designed to help railroads tackle potential pitfalls, but what happens when track inspectors run into challenges?
A longview of shortline bridge maintenance
WSOR has developed a long-term structures maintenance program to extend service life where it can, while prioritizing replacement needs.
SFMTA begins construction of Central Subway stations, tracks and operating systems
Construction of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Central Subway‘s stations, tracks and operating systems has begun, extending the Muni Metro T Third Line underground.
SCVTA BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project named “Neatest Thing in 2013”
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project was voted “Best Example of Government Funding” and received an Honor Award for “Neatest Thing in 2013” by the Milpitas Post for its 23rd Annual Reader’s Choice Awards.
Southwest LRT: Shallow tunnels recommended along the preferred route in Minneapolis
Building shallow tunnels for light rail along the preferred route in Minneapolis is the most cost-effective solution and best long-term investment for the region, Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) green line extension planners said.
Detroit streetcar design and construction quality assurance contract awarded
The city of Detroit, Mich., awarded a contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff for design review and construction quality assurance services for the Woodward Avenue Streetcar Project.
Industry leaders discuss PTC progress
Six industry leaders representing five Class 1 railroads and Amtrak participated in a panel discussion updating attendees of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Annual Conference on their progress toward PTC implementation.
BNSF’s capital plans call for New Mexico improvements
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $90 million on track and rail capacity improvement projects in New Mexico this year.
Expo Line Phase 2 reaches halfway point, marks safety milestone
Skanska-Rados Joint Venture (SRJV) reached the half way point in construction of the Exposition Transit Corridor, a 6.6-mile extension from Culver City, Calif., to Santa Monica. SRJV has worked one million hours worked on the project without a lost time incident.
Raleigh’s Union Station to receive an additional $15 million
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has, for the first time, given written approval for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to amend the Piedmont Improvement Program cooperative agreement to provide the city of Raleigh an additional $15 million for the Raleigh Union Station project.
UTA wins Hay Award at AREMA conference
The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) presented the 2013 Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence to Utah Transit Authority (UTA) for its FrontRunner South Commuter Rail Project.
USDOT seeks comment on ways to strengthen, coordinate transit safety and asset management
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking public comment on the most significant regulatory step taken under FTA’s new transit safety authority.
NURail Center among USDOT grant winners
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) awarded approximately $63 million in grants to 33 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) to advance research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges facing our nation.
CN agreements return freight rail service to portion of Kelowna Pacific
CN plans to start freight service on approximately 75 percent of the rail network operated by bankrupt shortline Kelowna Pacific Railway Ltd. (KPR) in southern British Columbia after reaching trustee, customer and labor agreements that support resumption of operations.
Environmental Assessment complete, FONSI signed for Downtown Sioux Falls yard redevelopment
The Sioux Falls Rail Yard Redevelopment Project completed its Environmental Assessment with the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by the South Dakota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
UP performing maintenance on Illinois and Iowa line
Union Pacific will strengthen Illinois’ and Iowa’s transportation infrastructures by investing nearly $11 million in the rail line between La Fox, Ill., and Clinton, Iowa.
Amtrak begins second phase of Michigan track improvements
The second of three Michigan track improvement phases for the 2013 construction season begins between Jackson and Battle Creek on September 30 as part of the Accelerated Rail Program being carried out by Amtrak for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).