DART to open two rail extensions in December
In Dallas, Texas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) 4.5-mile Blue Line extension from Downtown Garland Station to the new Downtown Rowlett Station will open Dec. 3.
LACMTA begins utility relocation work for Westside Subway Extension project
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Westside Subway Extension project started utility relocation work in Los Angeles’ Mid-Wilshire District.
Patriot Rail, TC&W name new executives
Patriot Rail Corp. hired George Avery Grimes, PE, Ph.D., to its management team as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Grimes will be responsible for revenue growth through initiation and evaluation of strategic acquisitions, infrastructure investments and margin expansion opportunities. He will also be Patriot Rail’s liaison with Class 1 railroad strategic projects.
SEPTA releases first “Energy Action Plan”
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) released its first-ever “Energy Action Plan,” potentially saving SEPTA more than $2 million a year through reductions in energy usage, with additional benefits expected.
Michigan commuter line begins test run
Six newly refurbished commuter rail cars are being tested in southeast Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
Ohio to upgrade crossings in two counties
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization at two grade crossings in Lucas and Mercer counties.
IntegriCo wins $1.5 million transit authority award
IntegriCo Composites, Inc., manufacturer of recycled plastic railroad ties, received a $1.5 million purchase order from a United States transit authority.
Pennsylvania state grants to help 24 freight rail projects
The Pennsylviania State Transportation Commission has approved nearly 18.6 million for 24 freight rail projects, which will improve rail access, upgrade rail infrastructure and provide repairs.
Hudson River Tunnel clean up complete, expanded service begins between NJ and NY
Amtrak and New Jersey Transit passengers will be offered expanded service between New York City and New Jersey beginning Monday, November 12,
UP plans Oregon track replacement in tunnel
Union Pacific plans to enhance Oregon’s transportation infrastructure by investing $2 million to replace the line that runs through Penn Tunnel in Portland, Ore.
Houston Metro crews install first trackwork connection between Main and new Southeast Line
Crews in Texas removed a section of Houston Metro’s Red Line and replaced it with a piece of special trackwork over the weekend.
Ceremonial groundbreaking for Winter Haven terminal held
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 8 for Florida’s Winter Haven Intermodal Rail Terminal.
More than $127 million approved for Port of Los Angeles construction
The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved construction contracts totaling more than $127 million for two major projects that advance modernization of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant, TraPac, Inc.
Watco names two to maintenance and compliance teams
Watco Compliance Service appointed Christian Meeker to performance assurance engineer, nondestructive testing and welding processes. Meeker will be responsible for coaching, mentoring and pro¬viding leadership to Watco team members with respect to nondestructive testing and welding processes to ensure compliance with federal regulations, industry standards and Watco’s customer requirements.
USW Local 1976 and CP ratify five-year agreement
Canadian Pacific and the United Steel Workers (USW) Local 1976, representing approximately 800 clerical and intermodal workers, have ratified a five-year contract with 87 percent of the membership voting in favor of the contract terms.
BNSF named top military-friendly employer by GI Jobs
BNSF has been named a 2013 Top 100 Military Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs.
CSX named military-friendly employer for third consecutive year
CSX was recognized as the number two military-friendly employer on G.I. Jobs’ 2013 Top 100 Military Friendly Employers ranking, making their mark on the list for the third consecutive year.
Amtrak to re-open NYC tunnels damaged by Sandy
Amtrak intends to re-open three tunnels that provide access to/from Penn Station New York (PSNY) by late Friday, Nov. 9, which were significantly flooded and damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
UP named military-friendly employer by GI Jobs
G.I. Jobs named Union Pacific one of America’s top military-friendly employers for 2013, marking the 10th time in 11 years that one of the nation’s career guides for military job seekers recognized Union Pacific.
UP invests $7.5 million in Colorado/Kansas border
Union Pacific Railroad plans to enhance Colorado’s transportation infrastructure by investing $7.5 million in the rail line that runs between the Colorado/Kansas border and Deer Trail.