Amtrak/CSX Hudson Line deal to improve service, move projects forward
A long-term lease agreement between CSX Corporation and Amtrak has been made, enabling Amtrak to take full control of the Hudson Line between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
NCDOT awards safety improvement contract
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.9-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Fred Smith Co. of Raleigh, N.C., for a rail safety improvement project.
Phoenix Valley Metro names chief engineer
Phoenix Valley Metro in Arizona has hired Rick Brown as chief engineer/director of design and construction.
VIA Rail readies improvements to locomotives, frequencies and infrastructure
VIA Rail Canada has completed a number of projects, including additional frequencies and the introduction of a new service between Ottawa, ON, and Quebec City, QB.
Maryland Transit Authority evaluating remote sensors for CWR
Protran Technology and QinetiQ North America have partnered to provide the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) with the first real-time network of remote sensors installed on continuous welded rail (CWR) for testing and evaluation.
WMATA studying ways to fight fatigue
On Thursday, Dec. 6, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board Safety and Security Committee will receive an update on fatigue research, including a key finding that recommends a methodical, comprehensive approach to the issue rather than solely considering the number of hours an employee works.
SEPTA names new assistant general manager of EM&C Division
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority promoted Robert Lund Jr., P.E., to assistant general manager of engineering, maintenance and construction.
CP defers Powder River Basin expansion plan
Canadian Pacific will take a fourth quarter pre-tax non-cash charge of approximately CA$180 million (US$181 million) on its option to build into the Powder River Basin (PRB).
Genesee & Wyoming expands role in Utica shale development
Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s (GWI) wholly owned subsidiary, The Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road Company (CUOH), has signed a long-term agreement to serve the $900-million natural gas liquids (NGLs) fractionation hub being constructed in Scio, Ohio,
DART opens Blue and Orange rail extensions
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Dallas, Texas, opened two rail segments on Dec. 3, extending the Blue Line to Rowlett and the Orange Line farther into Irving and closer to DFW International Airport.
CTA Red North Station Interim Improvement work more than 80 percent complete
On Friday, Nov. 30, Chicago Transit Authority Red Line trains resumed serving the Lawrence station, bringing the Red Line Interim Improvement Project to 80 percent complete.
Alabama to relocate rail line with federal funds
The Federal Railroad Administration has provided the city of Sylacauga, Ala., a $1.59-million Rail Line Relocation Grant to relocate East Alabama Railway and Norfolk Southern interchange tracks away from the downtown area.
Construction stay lifted on Port MacKenzie rail project
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on construction for Alaska’s Port MacKenzie Rail project Nov. 28 and indicated that the environmental groups’ court challenge to the project will not prevail.
Metrolinx unveils next wave of “Big Move” projects
In Toronto, ON, Canada, Metrolinx unveiled the next wave of projects drawn from “The Big Move,” the Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), that will continue Metrolinx’s ongoing transformation of the region’s transportation system.
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.
Norfolk Southern completes Pier 6 upgrades
Norfolk Southern has completed a major upgrade to its Lamberts Point export coal transload facility in Norfolk, Va.
Schuster named new T&I Committee chair
Rep. Bill Shuster was selected by the House Republican Conference to be the next chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Metrolinx signs agreements with Toronto, TTC
In Toronto, ON, Canada, Metrolinx has signed agreements with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the city of Toronto to improve public transit and ease congestion.
NJ Transit Gladstone Branch repairs to be completed Friday
Repairs to the New Jersey Transit Gladstone Branch of the Morris and Essex Lines will be completed on Friday, Nov. 30, with test trains scheduled to begin operations at that time.
Siemens to acquire Invensys Rail
Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Invensys Rail, the rail automation business of Invensys for approximately €2.2 billion (US$2.9 billion).