President Obama pushes for transportation projects

President Obama urged Congress to pass the transportation piece of the American Jobs Act, which will make an immediate investment of $50 billion in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and a $10 billion investment to create a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank. Together, these initiatives will put hundreds of thousands of construction workers back on the job rebuilding roads, rails and runways.

The White House released a report to highlight the importance of rebuilding roads, bridges, railways and airports across the nation. The report states, "In order to meet the needs of a growing economy, there is an ongoing need for new investments to maintain, upgrade and expand the nation’s stock of transportation infrastructure."

The Administration also announced several common-sense steps it has taken to improve the process of reviewing and approving transportation projects, help cut red tape and leverage additional private sector funding in order to promote private sector growth and job creation. These steps include:

• Directing the U.S. Department of Transportation to award $527 million in competitive TIGER grants by the end of 2011, months ahead of schedule. The TIGER program puts American workers back on the job by helping to rebuild the nation’s roads and bridges and working on innovative projects like streetcar and light rail systems. This year, DOT received about 1,000 applications, including at least one from every state.

• Directing DOT to shorten the application process for the 2012 round of TIFIA funding, which will accelerate projects and put workers back on the job more quickly. TIFIA provides up to one-third of the financing needed for bridge, tunnel, toll, transit and other large-scale transportation projects. That means the annual funding level of $110 million in TIFIA funds can support projects totaling up to $3 billion in construction.

• Establishing a Transportation Rapid Response Team to expedite reviews of surface transportation projects. Co-chaired by the Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the team will identify and implement best practices to improve the transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of environmental review and permit decisions for transportation projects, protecting public health and putting Americans back to work.

UP played key role in FRA’s Changing At-Risk Behavior pilot program

Union Pacific’s San Antonio Service Unit played a key role in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Changing At-Risk Behavior pilot project that will be honored by the American Evaluation Association Nov. 4 in Anaheim, Calif. CAB is a safety intervention pilot project that incorporates peer-to-peer observation and feedback, safety leadership development and continuous process improvement.

The CAB evaluation team from the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center and the Federal Railroad Administration will be recognized with an Outstanding Evaluation Award for evaluating this comprehensive new initiative, which resulted in safety improvements for Union Pacific and influenced broader safety culture shift in the railroad industry.

"Safety is our top priority and we were proud to participate in and support this important railroad industry initiative," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific executive vice president, operations. "Collaboration among our own employees, that is, local management, union leadership and our craft employees, the FRA and the U.S. Department of Transportation was critical to the project’s success. The results of the evaluation are making a remarkable difference in the railroad industry."

Union Pacific debuted new safety initiatives across its San Antonio Service Unit, which spans 800 miles and includes more than 1,000 locomotive engineers and conductors. CAB evaluation results showed an 85 percent reduction in at-risk behaviors, a 72 percent drop in locomotive engineer decertification rates and a 69 percent drop in the rate of human factor-caused derailments as a result of the CAB project.

Similar projects have since been initiated by passenger and freight railroads across North America.

The AEA award is presented for successfully completing a single evaluation project capable of standing alone as an example of high-quality evaluation. AEA is a preeminent professional association for evaluators, comprising more than 7,000 members from every state and more than 60 foreign countries.

Preliminary engineering for Ottawa LRT project nears completion

Capital Transit Partners, a joint venture combining the talents of Morrison Hershfield Limited, STV Canada Consulting Inc., URS Canada Inc. and Jacobs Associates Canada Corporation, is currently completing the preliminary engineering phase for the $2.1 billion Ottawa Light Rail Transit project.

The project, which is the first stage in Ottawa’s planned 40 km (24 mile) light-rail network, will see the construction of a 12.5 km (7 mile) LRT system including 3 km (2 mile) of tunnel under the downtown and 13 stations, three of which will be in the tunnel portion.

Implementation of the new system will include converting portions of the existing Bus Rapid Transit to light rail (one of the first such undertakings in North America).

The preliminary engineering assignment, awarded to CTP in September 2010 and now nearing completion, required CTP in advancing the OLRT design to reduce capital and operating costs, improve operating characteristics, reduce future maintenance requirements, minimize construction related impacts and minimize impacts to adjacent properties. CTP also developed the Request for Qualifications and contributed to the related Request for Proposal documents for what will be a Design, Build, Finance and Maintain project.

During the assignment, the city of Ottawa made the decision to accelerate the overall project schedule by one year, moving the proposed opening date from the spring of 2019 to the spring of 2018. This decision to advance the overall schedule resulted in the CTP assignment being accelerated by six months to allow the construction of the system to begin in early 2013, approximately six months earlier than had been planned. CTP, due to its experience in planning, design and procurement of LRT projects, was able to meet this new deadline.

In addition to the city of Ottawa’s own financial contribution, the OLRT project is supported by both the federal and provincial governments who are providing up to $1.2 billion of the project costs. The city will require the winning proponent to finance up to $400 million of the construction cost. All three levels of government are clearly committed to working with the successful proponent in delivering an innovative, world-class transit solution.

Amtrak testing eTicketing program

Amtrak is starting a pilot test of its eTicketing system on the Amtrak Downeaster service, which operates daily between Boston and Portland, Maine.

The eTicketing program provides passengers increased flexibility when making or changing reservations and eliminates the need to obtain traditional paper tickets. Amtrak intends to rollout eTicketing to all its trains nationwide during 2012.

With eTicketing, passengers have the ability to print their reservations from the comfort of their home or office. A receipt will be e-mailed to the customer with the eTicket attached as a printable PDF document which can be printed any time prior to travel.

Passengers also will be able to use their Smartphone to present their eTicket to the conductor, by simply opening the eTicket PDF document from their email on their Smartphone and displaying the barcode for the conductor to scan.

If a customer misplaces their eTicket, they can re-print the document for presentation on-board. Passengers may also print their eTickets at Amtrak ticket offices and Quik-Trak kiosks.

Under the pilot test, eTickets will be issued to passengers who have one way or round trip reservations. Passengers with more complicated bookings will continue to receive traditional paper value tickets, including when they:

• Are traveling beyond the Downeaster route;
• Have purchased a Multi-Ride Ticket; (e.g., monthly or ten-trip ticket)
• Have a group ticket;
• Are paying travel on the train; or
• Have purchased travel at a travel agency or corporate travel office

Amtrak Downeaster eTicketing customers will now be able to make changes to their reservations online until the start of their journey. During 2012, Amtrak will look to provide greater flexibility to its online customers with respect to modifying reservations once a trip is underway.

Amtrak operates the Downeaster under contract with the state of Maine’s Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

"We thank our partners at NNEPRA for their continued support and cooperation in helping bring this exciting initiative to our passengers," said Emmett Fremaux, Amtrak vice president for marketing and product development. "The eTicketing process provides a more convenient and flexible way for customers to book their travel on this increasingly popular line."

 

Invensys Rail lands $268 million rail signaling contract

In Turkey, Invensys Rail has scored a landmark success in winning the €195 million (US$268 million) signaling contract for Istanbul’s ambitious 77km (48 mile) Bosphorus crossing rail link, the initial phase, which is due to open in 2013, the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

In a joint venture with Spanish civil engineering company OHL, Invensys Rail will design and supply a new signaling and Automatic Train Protection system for the route, which makes use of the company’s SIRIUS Communications Based Train Control and FUTUR ERTMS technologies. The project will see a 1.2km (.75 mile)-immersed tunnel built along with 12km (7.5 mile) of other new tracks and the upgrading of a further 63km (42 mile).

When completed, it will link the European and Asian sides of Istanbul and connect with the country’s rapidly expanding high-speed rail network, of which Invensys Rail is signaling the Ankara – Konya route.

 

Hondo Railway BNSF

The Hondo Railway (HRR) was named Shortline of the Year at BNSF Railway’s 15th annual Shortline Conference held in Irving, Texas, on October 13, 2011.

Amtrak integrates NEC development in new business line

Planning and development efforts for Amtrak’s existing Northeast Corridor and its proposed new, dedicated 220-mph next-generation high-speed rail system are being fully integrated within a new Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Investment Development business line. This integrated business line will bring together all Amtrak funding, policy and planning decisions regarding NEC improvements and ensure that the continued development of high-speed rail is a critical element of Amtrak’s plans for the Corridor.

JAXPORT seeks TIGER funds to build intermodal facility

Florida’s Jacksonville Port Authority, with assistance from the city of Jacksonville and the State of Florida, is seeking $25 million from the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary Grant of the U.S. Department of Transportation for construction of a $45 million Intermodal Container Transfer Facility at the Dames Point Marine Terminal. The balance of the funding, $20 million, would come from the state.

The proposed ICTF would transport containerized cargo efficiently from ships to rail cars, increasing the port’s ability to move cargo quickly, reducing truck miles and decreasing exhaust emissions and highway maintenance costs. The project would also create employment and attract new business to the region.

"Adding an ICTF to JAXPORT’s already superior highway and rail connections will offer even more cost-effective solutions for shippers in an industry demanding efficiency and speed," said JAXPORT CEO Paul Anderson. "By taking this opportunity to attract federal investment in North Florida, we can continue to expand our competitiveness and our economic significance to the region, state and nation."

 

Atlanta MMPT agreement signed

U.S. Representative John Lewis and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joined the State Transportation Board, other officials and private-sector partners in commemorating the signing of an agreement for the initial development of a Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal and commercial center in downtown Atlanta.

To be located in the long under-utilized "Gulch" area near Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center, the MMPT will be developed for the Georgia Department of Transportation by Forest City/Cousins/Integral, a consortium of private firms.
The Atlanta MMPT will be the hub for existing and proposed transportation networks serving Metro Atlanta and beyond, including MARTA rail and bus, regional express busses and the state’s passenger rail network. It may also accommodate future transportation, including high-speed rail, light rail and streetcar services.

In addition, it will serve as a catalyst for one of the largest Transit-Oriented Development projects in the U.S., with expected commercial, recreational and residential mixed-use development. Georgia Department of Transporation’s $12.2 million, two-year contract with the consortium will provide a conceptual design of the MMPT and potential funding options.

Lewis, a long-time supporter of the MMPT concept, said "it is a great day for Atlanta and the whole region. We have reached an important milestone in this development, and I look forward to returning in a few years for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the MMPT."

"The Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal will help transform how we move around our city and region," said Reed. "The MMPT will serve as the focal point for many existing and future transit networks. It is an important part of the overall effort to improve and expand public transportation in metropolitan Atlanta and it will help our region maintain its competitive edge."

 

TxDOT submits four applications for TIGER grants

The Texas Department of Transportation submitted four applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation, requesting more than $93.8 million in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery discretionary grant money to advance rail and highway projects across the state.

TxDOT is requesting grant money for three rail projects: $9.6 million to rehab the South Orient Railroad line from Sulphur Junction to Fort Stockton, $10 million to build additional track and make other rail improvements at the Port of Corpus Christi and $21.3 million for the multi-state Sunbelt Rail Rehabilitation project to upgrade the Dallas, Garland and Northeastern Railroad, Kiamichi Railroad and Texas Northeastern Railroad lines in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The department is a co-applicant with Arkansas and Oklahoma on the SunbTxDOT submits four applications for TIGER grants

The Texas Department of Transportation submitted four applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation, requesting more than $93.8 million in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery discretionary grant money to advance rail and highway projects across the state.
TxDOT is requesting grant money for three rail projects: $9.6 million to rehab the South Orient Railroad line from Sulphur Junction to Fort Stockton, $10 million to build additional track and make other rail improvements at the Port of Corpus Christi and $21.3 million for the multi-state Sunbelt Rail Rehabilitation project to upgrade the Dallas, Garland and Northeastern Railroad, Kiamichi Railroad and Texas Northeastern Railroad lines in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The department is a co-applicant with Arkansas and Oklahoma on the Sunbelt Rail Rehabilitation project.

Applications were selected based on the TIGER program criteria and how well they would compete nationally for a limited amount of funding, said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.
"The agency is committed to providing a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, one with a sophisticated rail component designed to improve mobility, reduce congestion and drive economic development across the state," Wilson added.
elt Rail Rehabilitation project.

Applications were selected based on the TIGER program criteria and how well they would compete nationally for a limited amount of funding, said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.
"The agency is committed to providing a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, one with a sophisticated rail component designed to improve mobility, reduce congestion and drive economic development across the state," Wilson added.

Patriot Rail Corp. and Pro Sands Processing enter into agreement

Patriot Rail Corp., a privately-held shortline and regional freight railroad company, through its Louisiana and North West Railroad subsidiary, has entered into a long-term lease and rail freight services agreement with Pro Sands Processing, LLC, a frac sand supply, storage and delivery services company serving the oil and gas industry.

Under the exclusive five-year agreement, Pro Sands will lease 10 acres of property at LNW’s newly-constructed Iron Bridge Road transload facility in Gibsland, LA. LNW will deliver freight carloads of frac sand to Pro Sands at the Iron Bridge Road facility where the product will then be dried, processed and transloaded to truck for delivery to energy customers in the region. Pro Sands has committed moving a minimum of 2,400 carloads of freight annually into the facility. Once the Pro Sands facility at Iron Bridge Road is fully operational, it is anticipated that LNW will move up to 5,000 annual carloads of frac sand for them.

"We are pleased to have Pro Sands join other shippers at our newly constructed Iron Bridge Road transload facility," said Patriot’s Chairman, President & CEO, Gary Marino. "Pro Sands is a well-known and established frac sand supplier and at this location will be positioned to serve the energy-related customers in the Haynesville shale region. This new business allows Patriot to fully utilize its assets at the LNW and generate significant carloads and guaranteed revenue."

 

MBTA to begin Red Line slab replacement project

Crews from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will begin replacement of concrete slabs along Red Line track from Harvard to Alewife. The track sits on concrete slabs that float on rubber disks, which absorb noise and vibration from trains. Years of water filtration into the tunnel has resulted in corrosion and cracking that must be addressed in order to maintain safe and reliable Red Line service.

MBTA work crews will be removing and replacing corroded concrete slabs as part of a project partially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition to correcting problems with the floating slab structure, the project will involve the replacement of track and 3rd rail. Workers will also address leaks in the tunnel to prevent further deterioration.

FRA issues new rules for camp cars

The Federal Railroad Administration issued new regulations to improve conditions of rail camp cars, backing several recommendations by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the Teamsters Rail Conference.

The sleeping and eating quarters installed in former freight rail cars or trailers will now have to comply with the rules issued by the FRA, including requirements for potable hot and cold water for bathing and washing, an increase in minimum square footage of living space per occupant, improved sanitation provisions and restrictions against locating camp cars in the immediate vicinity of switching and humping of placarded rail cars carrying hazardous materials.

The new rule can be found here: http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/10/31/2011-27818/safety-and-health-requirements-related-to-camp-cars

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division represents 32,000 men and women who work to maintain and build rail track and related infrastructure on freight and commuter rail lines in the United States. Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Invensys Rail awarded Reading Western Mainlines signaling contract

Network Rail has awarded the £28 million (US$44.6 million) signaling contract for the Reading Western Mainlines program in Great Britain to Invensys Rail.

The scope of the overall program covers the remodeling of the Reading Station Area from Sonning to Pangbourne, a new train care depot and four new platforms, which will provide increased capacity at and through the station.

Over the four year contract period, Invensys will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the signaling works, including new LED signals, gantries and posts and new lineside equipment.

The contract award follows the success of the Reading Enabling Project, an intensive 27-month program, which saw control of Reading Station transferred to three WESTLOCK computer-based interlockings at the new Thames Valley Signaling Control Center at Didcot. One of these will be remodeled as part of the Reading Southern Lines signaling project, which will be commissioned over Christmas 2011.

David Attmere, senior project manager at Invensys Rail said, "We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this contract, following the work that we have already completed for the Reading Remodeling program. The same core team will deliver this next program of work, remaining co-located on site with Network Rail. This arrangement has worked extremely well and has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the project to date. We’re now looking forward to working closely with our Network Rail colleagues to deliver this next challenging and technically complex program of work."

The first major commissioning of the Reading Western Mainlines project will deliver increased capacity at Reading Station and will take place over Easter 2013; the final commissioning is scheduled for August 2015.

Snow storm snarls freight, transit traffic in northeast

CSX, NJ Transit and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority service on the East Coast has been affected by the severe autumn snowstorm over the weekend.

CSX freight service operating in Massachusetts and other areas of the Northeast has been slowed significantly. Customers with traffic that originates, terminates or passes through this region should expect delays of 24-48 hours as crews clear lines of snow and fallen trees.

Widespread commercial power outages also are impacting service. CSX equipment and personnel have been deployed across affected lines to restore service as quickly as possible.

NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex Lines, including the Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton Line rail service will remain suspended Monday, October 31, while crews remove hundreds of trees and repair miles of overhead wire damage.

An aerial inspection was made of the lines, which revealed the extensive damage caused by heavy, wet snow and strong winds that brought down the trees and overhead wires. Crews will continue to work around the clock today to make the necessary repairs.

MBTA commuter rail customers who use the Worcester/Framingham, Fitchburg and Haverhill lines should expect delays due to damage caused by the weekend storm. Delays will range anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.

Tri-Rail agreement reached between UTU, SFRTA

Operations center employees of South Florida Tri-Rail, who are represented by the United Transportation Union, have their first collective bargaining agreement in place. It provides for a signing bonus; an immediate wage increase, plus additional wage increases in 2012 and 2013; a 40-hour weekly guarantee, plus punitive overtime pay; a reduction in the health care insurance premium; a meal period and a scope rule.

Additionally, the agreement provides an enhanced vacation entitlement; a path to enter train and engine service with seniority protection; a bid process for assignments; a formal process for grievance and discipline handling; a 401(k) plan with an employer match and work rules and conditions equivalent to those provided by contract for Tri-Rail’s train and engine workers represented by the UTU.

"Overall, this is an excellent first contract for a newly organized work group," said UTU International Vice President John Previsich, who assisted with negotiations. "It is always very difficult to provide any improvements to the status quo on a new contract as companies are very reluctant to reward employees for choosing to bargain collectively."