Washington, Ohio to improve crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX to install modernized lights and gates with upgraded warning device circuitry at the interconnect of NS grade crossing (481-472X) and CSX grade crossing (518-247P) at Lincoln Avenue in the city of Columbus, Franklin County.

AREMA to sponsor design competition

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) will sponsor a design competition for students of architecture or building sciences as a means to introduce students to the professional opportunities in the railway and rail transit industry.

Axion receives purchase order from BART

Axion International Holdings, Inc. received its third purchase order for an additional 270 switch ties from San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). The 100-percent recycled ECOTRAX switch ties are to be installed BART’s 104 miles of tracks.

Metrolink sets ridership record

In California, Metrolink experienced record ridership this Thanksgiving holiday. Operating the same number of trains as last year, Metrolink reported 4,448 Thanksgiving Day riders; a 36 percent increase from 2011.

KCS celebrates 125th anniversary

Kansas City Southern celebrated its 125th anniversary of railroad operations on Nov. 27, by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.