Amtrak names Stadtler operations VP
Amtrak named DJ Stadtler the new vice president of operations, overseeing the railroad’s transportation, engineering and mechanical departments, effective immediately.
HDR part of JV providing construction/program management to North Shore Connector
Pittsburgh’s North Shore Connector, a project nearly two decades in the making, recently opened to the public. The $523 million light-rail expansion boasts a 1.2-mile alignment of underground and above-ground structures, including a dual bored tunnel under the Allegheny River.
CTA Loop track renewal work begins this weekend
This weekend, crews will begin work associated with the Loop Track Renewal project in Chicago and replace deteriorated rail and track components along the Wells and Van Buren elevated structure.
Denver RTD to pursue competitive bidding process for I-225 light-rail
The Denver, Colo., Regional Transportation District will be advertising a Request for Proposals, after determining that an unsolicited proposal for the I-225 Light Rail Project has merit.
LYNX Blue Line Extension Project celebrates dedicated state funding
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) and state and local leaders will “Stake their Claim” at a State Full Funding Grant Agreement ceremony for the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Extension Project, on Thursday, April 19. The event will take place on the campus of UNC Charlotte at its Bioinformatics Building.
PUCO approves improvements at several Ohio grade crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern to install flashing lights and gates at the Union Street (524-663F) grade crossing in the city of Carlisle, Warren County.
Consolidated Fastfrate to join CP at Global Transportation Hub
Consolidated Fastfrate (CFF), a transportation and logistics services company in Canada, has proposed a 10,000 sq. ft. cross dock facility, co-located with Canadian Pacific’s intermodal rail yard, as the first phase of a multi-phased project that would start construction at the Global Transportation Hub (GTH) in the spring of 2012.
The 10-acre development is scheduled to be operational on or before fall of 2013. CFF has an option for further expansion.
FTA unveils new environmental benefits website
The Federal Transit Administration celebrated Earth Day by unveiling a new environmental benefits website highlighting a commitment to investing in affordable, innovative and sustainable public transit alternatives that reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and help secure an independent energy future.
St. James Rail Terminal expansion complete
U.S. Development Group LLC has completed an expansion of its St. James Rail Terminal (SJRT), a crude oil and condensate handling and distribution hub located in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana, doubling the terminal’s capacity to 130,000 barrels, or two unit trains, per day. SJRT, which began operations in summer 2010, is part of a nationwide network of crude oil/condensate facilities being developed by USD.
Maryland Transit Authority plans summer repair projects
The Maryland Transit Administration has made plans to complete repair projects for the light-rail system and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority subway system.
SFMTA Board approves two-year budget, includes $485 million for rail Infrastructure
The Board of Directors of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which oversees all transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway, approved the agency’s two-year budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 and FY 2014. The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30.
TSA recognizes Amtrak’s BASE security program as Gold Standard
Amtrak is being recognized by the Transportation Security Administration for earning the agency’s Gold Standard on the railroad’s most recent Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancements (BASE). This designation recognizes Amtrak’s dedication to building a strong security program.
BLET members ratify Union Pacific contract
By a nearly four to one margin, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified a new on-property collective bargaining agreement with Union Pacific.
NS to begin Bellevue Yard construction this month
This month, Norfolk Southern will begin a $160 million project to expand its Bellevue rail yard in Northern Ohio, a project that will double the yard’s capacity in order to meet rising demand for freight rail transportation.
The Tide hits 1-million rider mark
Hampton Roads Transit in Virginia will celebrate a major milestone on Tuesday, April 17 – one million rides on The Tide light rail.
Bombardier and MARTA partner to improve track worker protection
Bombardier Transportation has teamed up with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority in a demonstration project to enhance the safety of rail transit workers at the track side.
Watco names chief engineer to Gulf Region
Watco Transportation Services named Ron Isaacs chief engineer for the Gulf Region. Isaacs will be responsible for the continued development and im¬provement of safety, track team member development and track efficiency in all areas of the Gulf Region.
Eleven Saskatchewan shortlines receive CA$700,000 in grants
The Saskatchewan Government dished out CA$700,000 (US$699,140) in grants for 11 shortline railways through the Shortline Railway Sustainability Program.
NYCT completes work on three stations, another successful FASTRACK round
Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit finished work at three Queens stations three days early, just in time for the weekend. Manhattan-bound platforms at Sutphin Blvd (Hillside Avenue), Briarwood-Van Wyck Blvd. and 75th Avenue reopened at 3 p.m. Friday, April 13 instead of 5 a.m. Monday, April 16 as originally scheduled.
Vancouver station restoration complete
The completion of a CA$6.9 million (US$6.89 million) project to restore VIA Rail Canada’s heritage train station in Vancouver, B.C., was celebrated on April 13.