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).
Power failure stalls Metro-North’s New Haven Line, repairs could take weeks
A failure in a Con Edison feeder cable resulted in a lack of electricity to power overhead wires along MTA Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line on Sept. 25. The railroad was forced to run limited service using diesel locomotives until further notice between Stamford, Conn. and Grand Central Station in New York City.
New Jersey awards 12 freight rail grants
Twelve grants totaling more than $12 million have been awarded through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) Fiscal Year 2013 Rail Freight Assistance Program, which helps support economic activity by preserving and improving the existing freight transportation system and by making freight rail service more widely available for businesses throughout the state.
UP plans $8 million for trackwork in Iowa
Union Pacific will strengthen Iowa’s transportation infrastructure by investing $8 million in the rail line between Lowden and near Blairstown.
CSX names Frulla VP-transportation for Northern Region
CSX has named Bob Frulla vice president of transportation for the Northern Region. Frulla succeeds Gary Bethel, who is retiring after 43 years with CSX.
Obama nominates former KDOT secretary for STB
President Obama has nominated former Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Deb Miller to the Surface Transportation Board, replacing Francis Mulvey, according to a report on the United Transportation Union‘s website.
RTD receives four proposals to build North Metro Rail Line
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) received proposals from four design/construction teams for the North Metro project that will ultimately extend passenger rail north from Denver Union Station through Commerce City, Adams County, Thornton and Northglenn.
Port of Vancouver USA begins next phase of rail entrance project
On July 29, 2013, Port of Vancouver USA in the state of Washington began phase two construction of a rail entrance project. This included the construction of a piling-supported, watertight trench that will support the new grade separated rail entrance into the port.
SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority working on storm damaged bridge
Work is progressing on the Loyalsock Creek rail bridge in Lycoming County, Pa., as the Susquehanna Economic Development Association Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority continues to target a summer 2014 completion.
UIC study: Pedestrians, cyclists need consistency at rail crossings
The risk of pedestrian and bicycle accidents at railroad grade crossings would decrease with sustained enforcement and education by local governments, along with consistency in design standards for warning devices, according to a study by the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
SMART rail project segment accepted into “New Starts” program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has accepted Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit’s (SMART) segment from San Rafael to Larkspur, Calif., into the Project Development phase of its “Small Starts” funding program.
BNSF outlines Illinois capital program
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $145 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Illinois this year.
Construction begins on casing for Hudson Yards rail project
A critical first step was taken towards preserving a right-of-way for new rail tunnels under the Hudson River designed to withstand future flooding with the start of construction of an 800-foot concrete casing at the Hudson Yards facility in the heart of Manhattan. Construction of the concrete casing is expected to be complete in October 2015.
Norfolk Southern names seven to new management responsibilities
Norfolk Southern appointed seven executives to new management responsibilities.
MTA selects Blue Ribbon Panel for rail safety study
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has created a Blue Ribbon Panel of six railroad and transportation experts to examine the circumstances behind recent safety-related incidents at Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and New York City Transit (NYCT).