SEPTA’s Bridgeport Viaduct project reaches halfway mark
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Bridgeport Viaduct project reached the 50 percent completion point.
TTCI names two to board
Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, named two railroaders, Christopher F. Liucci and Jim Vena, to its Board of Directors.
UP working on $10 million project on line between Minnesota and Wisconsin
Union Pacific Railroad will strengthen Minnesota’s and Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructures by investing $10 million in the rail line at various locations between St. Paul, Minn., and Humbird, Wis.
CTA begins major work on Ravenswood Connector rehab project
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin major construction work on the $71.2 million Ravenswood Connector rehabilitation project.
Maryland Purple Line FEIS released
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), in coordination with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), published the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation (FEIS) on September 6, marking the start of the 30-day public comment period.
Sound Transit to detail progress of Bel-Red corridor East Link extension
Sound Transit will hold an open house for community members to review the progress of the East Link extension along the Bel-Red corridor, which is now approximately 60 percent complete.
CSX completes first phase of National Gateway
The National Gateway coalition has completed its first phase on-time and on-budget, which clears the way for double-stack intermodal rail service between CSX‘s existing terminal in Chambersburg, Pa., and its hub facility in Northwest Ohio.
Streetcars return to Salt Lake City, Dec. 8
The first streetcar to travel Utah’s streets in more than 50 years will be open for service starting December 8, 2013.
UP performing $30 million worth of work in Illinois
Union Pacific plans to strengthen Illinois’ transportation infrastructure by investing $30 million in the rail line at various locations between Dolton and Ellis.
VTrans awarded $8.9 million for Western Corridor Rail Rehabilitation
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has been awarded an $8.9 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to rehabilitate a freight corridor and prepare it for future passenger service.
The $18.5-million project involves rehabilitating 20 miles of the state-owned Vermont Railway from Rutland to Leicester, which includes replacing nine miles of rail, upgrading 11 at-grade farm crossings and other improvements. When completed, this project will eliminate track-related slow orders, allowing for unrestricted Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Class 3 speed operations of up to 40 mph. The Vermont Rail System operates over the line and provides a critical connection for shippers to the Class 1 network in New York.
The project also supports the state’s efforts to improve the line to allow for the future extension of Amtrak’s Ethan Allen service from Rutland to Burlington. Approximately $6 million in match funding is coming from previous federal appropriations benefiting the corridor, as well as $3.2 million from the state and $200,000 in-kind contributions from the rail operator.
“This investment is helping to move the economy by improving track, bridges and other infrastructure, building stations and intermodal facilities, advancing higher-performing rail service and improving safety,” said FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo.
TIGER V grants $474 million to 52 projects in 37 states
Fifty-two transportation projects in 37 states will receive a total of approximately $474 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program. Among these, $146 million will help fund rail projects.
Maryland to invest nearly $1.5 billion in transportation for Baltimore Metropolitan Region
Maryland plans to invest nearly $1.5 billion in transportation investments for the Baltimore Metropolitan Region that will support more than 13,000 jobs, reduce traffic congestion and revitalize communities.
SEPTA, New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad awarded TIGER grants
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad have been awarded $11.4 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants.
Rail relocation project in western New York revitalizes former Bethlehem Steel site
The Rail Relocation Project at the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna, N.Y., is now complete. The project entailed the installation of approximately two miles of track in the north-south direction on the site, in the process removing tracks that had hindered access to the site and opening up approximately 300 acres of land
Representative David Joyce Visits Delta Railroad Construction
Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, visited the manufacturing facility of National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) member Delta Railroad Construction in Austinburg, Ohio, August 28.
Minnesota, Delaware ports join list of TIGER V grant recipients
Port of Duluth-Superior in Minnesota has been awarded a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to improve infrastructure. The funding will be used to rebuild and expand the general cargo dock at the port and connect it to existing road and rail infrastructure.
BNSF plans $240 million capital program in Texas
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $240 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Texas this year.
Michigan begins track improvements as part of Accelerated Rail Program
The first of three Michigan track improvement phases for the 2013 construction season will begin on September 9.
RTA approves five-year strategic plan for Chicago area passenger service
The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors has adopted the 2013 Regional Transit Strategic Plan, which will serve as the roadmap for planning and development for transit during the next five years.
Illinois high-speed rail corridor work continues
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Union Pacific are performing the second of three phases of 2013 upgrades to Illinois’ Chicago-St. Louis high-speed route, for future 110 mph operation of Amtrak Lincoln Service trains.