Massachusetts commuter line gets $75 million federal grant

The Federal Transit Administration has sealed a $75 million agreement that will put an estimated 260 people to work making long-overdue improvements to the 50-mile Fitchburg commuter rail line in Massachusetts, one of the state’s oldest passenger rail lines still in service.

The investment will increase the train line’s maximum speed by nearly 20 miles per hour, while greatly improving safety and on-time performance to 17 communities and 18 stations. If passed by congress, President Obama’s American Jobs Act could make more projects like this possible throughout the country.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff signed the agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to provide the federal share of the $159 million project, which will significantly reduce travel times and improve connections between suburban Fitchburg and the MBTA’s Red Line at Porter Square just outside Boston.

Nearly 20 percent of the current line, 9.6 miles, travels on a single track. Maximum train speed is 60 miles per hour and significantly slower in many sections along the Fitchburg line, which is now the oldest, longest and slowest running rail branch within the MBTA system. It also has the worst on-time performance in all of MBTA.
Planned improvements include:

• Track upgrades that will allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour
• Construction of high-level platforms for better accessibility
• Replacement and updating of grade crossing warning systems
• Construction of new and modified interlocking
• Transfer of the Waltham Tower to MBTA Control Center
• Bridge repair and replacement

The $75 million in FTA Small Starts funds has already been appropriated and to date FTA has awarded $7.8 million for the engineering and design of the project. The Fitchburg Line will continue to operate during the modernization project, which is expected to be completed before 2015.

The Fitchburg Line is also the recipient of $59.2 million from the department’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER I) program. The TIGER grants will fund a 4.5-mile extension of the line and construction of a new Wachusett Station.

CSX, local officials celebrate Columbus Terminal Expansion project

The city of Columbus, Ohio, recently hosted industry leaders and local officials, including Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and Councilmember Zachary Klein at a celebration for the Columbus Intermodal Terminal Expansion Project.

This multi-million dollar expansion will ready the region with the capacity needed for anticipated growth in business. When complete, this expansion will continue to enhance the economical and environmentally friendly rail intermodal service offered to customers. This terminal expansion is part of the National Gateway, linking deep water east coast ports with Midwestern markets.

"I am very pleased that CSX is expanding and investing in Ohio, a decision that will strengthen our infrastructure, spur job growth and provide the local economies in Central Ohio with a much needed boost," said Senator Rob Portman (R-OH). "These investments, along with CSX’s new intermodal facility in Northwest Ohio, will provide greater opportunities for workers and employers throughout our state."

Rae to depart FRA Nov. 1

Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator Karen Rae is leaving the agency Nov. 3 to rejoin the New York state government as deputy secretary of transportation in the office of New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Rae has been the number two to Administrator Joseph Szabo since March 2009. No successor, who will require Senate confirmation, has been nominated.

Before her appointment as deputy FRA administrator, Rae was deputy commissioner of policy and planning for the New York Department of Transportation.

UP

Union Pacific will improve the transportation infrastructure in Missouri by investing $4 million in the rail line that runs from Jefferson City, Mo., to west of Marshall, Mo. Various projects on nearly 80-miles of this line include removing and installing more than 24,500 ties and replacing more than a quarter of a mile of rail in various curves.

The projects began Oct. 7 and are scheduled to be completed by mid-December.

Metro-North to resume full Port Jervis service Nov. 28

An ongoing rebuilding effort on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Port Jervis Line has expedited the resumption of full service by an entire month with through trains now set to begin on November 28.

Since the end of August, when flooding associated with tropical storm Irene devastated 14 miles of the Port Jervis Line, track repairs have been underway by Metro-North’s own workforce. The progress of this effort has been so great that the amount of work that still needs to be done by a third party contractor has been significantly reduced.

In addition, the cost of repairs, substitute bus service and lost revenue currently is estimated between $30 million and $40 million, less than the original $60 million estimate.

On November 28, Metro-North trains will return to the full pre-storm schedule of 26 daily trains and 14 trains each weekend day and the interim train-bus-train service will cease.
Until then, Metro-North will continue to operate 17 trains daily between Port Jervis and Harriman, representing 65 percent of regular weekday train service. This train shuttle service began September 19. Trains from Port Jervis connect at Harriman with express bus service to NJ Transit’s Ramsey/Route 17 for trains to Hoboken, Secaucus and Penn Station. The schedule provides some peak period train service only. Buses continue to provide service for the remaining trains and on weekends.

A number of factors contributed to the accelerated timetable.

A declaration of emergency by the MTA Chairman authorized Metro-North President, Howard Permut to initiate expenditures, procurements and repairs in the most expedited manner possible, including negotiating property easements to gain access to the right-of-way.

The railroad cited excellent cooperation from the Village of Sloatsburg, which provided land that allowed the railroad to accept delivery of stone and enabled track workers to build an access road to bring stone and heavy equipment to the damaged right-of-way.
Several other property owners also cooperated with the railroad to provide property easements so that workers and heavy machinery were able to reach the tracks.

Because of the expedited engineering report, the railroad was able to solicit competitive bids for the work not done by railroad employees and an expedited award was made October 12 to Halmar, of Pearl River, for $10.5 million to cover the remaining work.

Halmar currently is working in the Sloatsburg area to repair Track 2, the first track that will be put back into service. This means continuing to fill in wash outs, finishing culvert installations and completing critical bridge repairs.

Although full train service will resume November 28, much work still needs to be done, including stabilizing the river bank along the right-of-way, building retaining walls and other flood mitigations.

Given the tremendous progress made to date, the original estimate for completion of all Port Jervis line repairs has been moved forward from fall 2012 to June 2012.

Harsco receives $13 million in orders for North America, New Zealand

Harsco Corporation received new orders for railway track maintenance equipment from New Zealand and North America that are expected to generate new revenues of more than $13 million and add to Harsco Rail’s production and delivery order book for 2012.

The New Zealand order comes from KiwiRail, that country’s national rail operator, and calls for three consists, each made up of a Harsco tamper and ballast regulator. The tampers are Harsco Mark VI machines, designed for mainline and switch tamping. The Mark VI for KiwiRail includes such features as four driving axles, front and rear operator cabins and the ability to travel while coupled to the ballast regulator. This allows the two machines to be operated as a train, thereby improving mobility throughout the system and greatly improving safety. Ballast regulators follow the tamping process to restore the correct ballast profile, which is important for the lateral and longitudinal stability of the newly tamped track.

According to Harsco Rail’s surfacing product manager, Allen Branham, the KiwiRail order marks the first tamper/ballast regulator pairing to utilize Harsco’s proprietary Jupiter Control System in both units.

Designed and developed by Harsco Rail, the Jupiter system uses a network of input/output modules positioned throughout the machine to provide the operator with real-time display screen control and monitoring of key operating systems along with onboard diagnostics to minimize maintenance and downtime.

Jupiter will also enable the two-unit consist to be driven from either machine. The KiwiRail ballast regulators will be produced at Harsco Rail’s Queensland, Australia plant, continuing a relationship of more than 30 years between the Australian operation and this customer, while the Mark VI Tampers will be produced at Harsco Rail’s Columbia, South Carolina headquarters plant.

Deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2012.

Harsco has also received orders from North America that include several tamper configurations for use by customers in a range of shortline, metro and industrial railroad applications. These units, which will also be produced at the Columbia, S.C., plant, are scheduled for delivery principally in the first half of 2012, with one unit scheduled for delivery in the last quarter of 2012.
Harsco Rail President Scott Jacoby said, "Our production pipeline continues to be built across a broad cross-section of market geographies and customers, which is a direct reflection of Harsco Rail’s increasing global breadth and scope. These orders also underscore the success of our product line management approach to understanding global customer needs to drive our product development. The pairing of tampers and ballast regulators into a single consist underpinned by our Jupiter system is a perfect example of our ability to leverage our technology to our customers’ advantage."

 

Massachusetts to revitalize “Knowledge Corridor”

Massachusetts state officials and transportation leaders unveiled plans for the revitalization of the "Knowledge Corridor" along the Connecticut River rail line in western Massachusetts. The project, funded by $73 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants, will create more than 360 construction jobs in the region.

"The Knowledge Corridor project is a signature investment in Massachusetts, creating hundreds of jobs while making historic improvements in rail access across the Pioneer Valley," said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

On June 30, 2011, MassDOT signed the agreements with the Federal Railroad Administration to proceed with the Knowledge Corridor project to revitalize the existing Connecticut River rail line, which runs from Connecticut through Massachusetts to Vermont. The project will restore Amtrak’s Vermonter train service to the line, providing a more direct route, faster service and restored access to the cities of Greenfield and Northampton. Revitalization of the Knowledge Corridor route will restore the original route of the Vermonter traveling between St. Albans, Vermont and Washington, DC. The project is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed in approximately two years.

"Thanks to the support of our state and federal partners, work is now underway on this critical rail project, delivering much-needed improvements to passenger rail service, while providing new transportation options and economic opportunities for the region," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo.

The improvements to the Knowledge Corridor will occur on the Connecticut River mainline of the Pan Am Southern railroad, a joint venture between Pan Am Railways and Norfolk Southern to improve freight service for customers along the line and within western Massachusetts. MassDOT has designated the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Design and Construction Department to oversee the implementation of the project through final design and construction and entered into a Construction Agreement with Pan Am Southern, LLC, to construct the project.

 

Work on MBTA’s Ashmont Station complete

Reconstruction of Ashmont Station on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Red Line in Dorchester is complete. The $84 million Ashmont Station reconstruction is the last of four Dorchester stations to be modernized as part of the Red Line Rehabilitation Project, an overall $158 million investment.

"Accessible, reliable public transportation is critical for our neighborhoods and our economy," said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. "I am proud to celebrate the completion of Ashmont Station, which will provide commuters with a state-of-the-art transit facility at one of the city’s busiest transportation hubs."

Originally built in 1928, Ashmont Station was first modernized in 1976. The newly reconstructed Ashmont Station makes it a state-of-the-art, fully accessible transit facility with two entrances, a new lobby with Charlie Card access to the system, new platforms to accommodate six-car trains, new communications and security systems and a reconfigured busway.

Additional improvements to Ashmont station include new lighting, new floors and glass curtain walls and canopies, along with site improvements to the path of travel, landscaping and the construction of Peabody Square Park.

In 1999, the state legislature appropriated $67 million for the Dorchester Red Line Rehabilitation Project. The Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut and Ashmont stations were redesigned with active support from Dorchester legislators and the community to address the needs of each neighborhood location. The project was awarded to Barletta Construction in September 2003. Savin Hill station reopened in 2005 and Fields Corner and Shawmut stations opened in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

 

VIA Rail officially opens Smiths Falls station

VIA Rail Canada opened a new train station in Smiths Falls, ON, Canada. Funding for the $750,000 project came from the government of Canada’s $923 million investment in VIA Rail for improvements to its facilities, equipment and infrastructure, including $407 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

"The completion of projects like Smiths Falls’ new station shows the positive results being achieved for both rail passengers and the community of Smiths Falls through government of Canada funding to VIA", said Steven Fletcher, minister of state for transport. "It also underlines this government’s commitment to revitalize passenger rail service and support economic development in the region."

VIA Rail’s new Smiths Falls station, which began serving passengers in early August, is fully accessible and located just north of downtown. With its distinctive tower, the new station has been designed to blend in with the historic character of Smiths Falls. Its new location will also lead to smoother and improved rail service at this important stop on VIA’s busy Ottawa to Toronto route.

"Trains in Smiths Falls have a long and proud history, connecting people and businesses here with the rest of Canada since the first train arrived in 1859", said Smiths Falls Mayor Dennis Staples. "On behalf of all the citizens of this great town, I am proud to be able to play a part in this new station’s official inauguration and want to thank the government and VIA Rail for this important contribution to our town’s continuing prosperity."

FTA awards cooperative agreement to Delcan

Delcan, a multi-disciplinary engineering, planning, management and technology firm, has been awarded a cooperative agreement from the Federal Transit Administration to evaluate the implementation of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) on heavy and light-rail transit systems.

This study is part of the FTA’s efforts to promote the research and development of new technologies that will improve the safety and efficiency of rail transit system operation in the United States. The primary objective of this research study is to assess the benefits of CBTC technology and determine the ability of CBTC to replace the functionality provided by track circuits in conventional rail signaling systems.

CBTC is the latest development of train control technology and can be implemented in a variety of forms, across various transit modes. CBTC technology can automate train protection, operation and supervision by determining the location of trains, safely separating trains and performing a range of train control and train management functions.

"We are excited to collaborate with the FTA on this important study and look forward to increasing the benefits for heavy and light rail systems by investing in CBTC," said Dr. Alan Rumsey, P.Eng., Delcan’s vice president rail and transit systems.

RailComm

RailComm has provided an expansive yard automation system at Amtrak’s Chicago Union Station through a contract with HNTB and Kiewit-Western. RailComm designed its solution to meet the challenging requirements that were presented within the existing rail infrastructure.

The automation system is commanded by RailComm’s DOC® (Domain
Operations Controller) server-based central control platform. The system operator is in control of over 100 GETS Hydra-Switches and dozens of power derail devices, blue flag indicators, switch heater locations and two diesel generators. Additionally, the system uses RailComm’s RADiANTTM data radios to communicate between the office system and the network of controlled devices. Amtrak personnel operate the automation system from two tower locations.

CN conductors and brakemen ratify workplace consolidation agreement

Canadian National conductors and brakemen represented by the United Transportation Union have ratified a new labor contract that will consolidate work activities in the company’s upper Midwest region under a single collective bargaining agreement.

The single agreement, covering more than 430 employees, will generate greater labor flexibility and operational efficiencies in CN’s important freight corridor between the Canadian and United States border at International Falls, Minn., and Chicago.

The new contract, which is effective Jan. 1, 2012, and includes general wage increases, was negotiated in anticipation of the intra-corporate family merger of CN’s Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway Company and Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway Company subsidiaries into its Wisconsin Central Ltd. unit. The Surface Transportation Board approved the merger in June 2011, subject only to labor implementing agreements. UTU members on all three properties ratified the contract.

Jim Vena, CN senior vice president, southern region, said, "CN is pleased to have reached this milestone labor agreement with the UTU. This single collective agreement for all conductors and brakemen in the upper Midwest is an important step to allow CN to run its trains seamlessly across the upper Midwest and to make greater use of our employee base. This, in turn, will help us deliver better service to our customers."

UP to perform $17 million in track improvements in Wyoming and Nebraska

Union Pacific will improve the transportation infrastructure in Wyoming and Nebraska by investing $17 million in the rail line that runs from Egbert, Wyo. to Hershey, Neb. Various projects on the 161 miles of this line include removing and installing more than 124,000 ties, as well as renewing the surfaces at 113 road crossings. Crews will also spread nearly 72,000 tons of ballast to help provide a more stable roadbed and replace more than a half mile of rail in various curves.

The curve rail project began in late July, the crossing surface projects began in August and the tie projects began Oct. 12. All projects are scheduled to be completed by mid-December.

 

Encore Rail Systems taps Holberg to lead North American sales effort

Encore Rail Systems, Inc. hired Bill Holberg as its vice president of sales.

Holberg has a breadth of experience in transportation sales and marketing as well as financial management.

"Bill brings a considerable amount of leadership to our organization. With his direction, we plan to build on our momentum and expand our reach within North America, Mexico and Canada," said Jack Hollender, CEO of Encore.

Holberg was previously with Auto Truck Group as director of railroad sales.

 

CTA president releases 2012 budget recommendations

Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool proposed a $1.24 billion budget for 2012 that holds the line on fares and maintains current service levels, relying on deep management cuts and work rule changes from labor unions.

The proposed budget is $66.2 million, or 5.1 percent, less than the 2011 budget.

Management initiatives will help shave $117 million from the $277 million deficit and the proposed budget will close the remaining gap with anticipated work rule reforms, health care benefit changes and restraint in wage growth consistent with other metropolitan transit agencies.

"Since May, the CTA has launched a series of service improvements while cutting hundreds of positions and implementing management efficiencies that are saving tens of millions of dollars. The result is a lean management structure and the smallest number of employees in the CTA’s history," Claypool said.

The new service improvements are meant to improve the rider experience and encourage new riders and revenue. To improve security, more police have been added and thousands of new surveillance cameras. To improve the convenience of customers, Bus Tracker technology has been rolled out at bus shelters to let passengers know exactly when their bus is coming. To improve the cleanliness and aesthetics of rail stations, the CTA created "Renew Crews," SWAT teams of tradespeople to deep clean, repair and improve more than 100 stations and subways. And hundreds of new rail cars with modern technology and passenger amenities will be arriving shortly.

"But even the most innovative service and the leanest management cannot make up for a cost structure that far exceeds the national norm, mostly driven by antiquated work rules that benefit a small number of individuals at the expense of everyone else," Claypool said.

The CTA’s union collective bargaining agreements expire on December 31, but Claypool has already initiated the negotiation process.

Claypool warned that without labor and work rule reforms, the CTA would be forced to lay off up to 1,000 employees, reduce bus and rail service and perhaps hike fares.

The CTA’s current financial crisis dates back nearly 30 years.

The CTA is confronted with a record deficit despite more than $500 million in borrowing since the start of the recession in 2008, a 2009 fare hike and deep 2010 service cuts.

CTA says antiquated work rules cost the agency tens upon tens of millions of dollars, encouraging absenteeism, unnecessary overtime and layers of redundant costs required to manage around the cumbersome and inflexible mandates.

Approximately 70 percent of the CTA’s budget is spent on labor costs, and 91 percent of the labor force is unionized.

Labor expenses make up approximately two-thirds of the CTA budget. In 2012, labor costs are estimated to be $963.1 million, $61.7 million or 6.8 percent more than the 2011 budget.

CTA customers and the general public will have the opportunity to provide comments to the Chicago Transit Board on the president’s 2012 Budget Recommendations at three budget meetings. All are scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Westinghouse High School
3223 W. Franklin Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60624

Monday, November 7, 2011
Chicago Transit Authority Headquarters
567 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60661

Thursday, November 10, 2011
Kennedy-King College
740 W. 63rd Street
Chicago, IL 60621

OCTA begins $600 million grade separation project

Drivers stuck at rail crossings in north Orange County, Calif., will soon find relief as the Orange County Transportation Authority kicks off a nearly $600 million program that will separate street traffic from trains at seven locations.

Known as the O.C. Bridges Program, the projects will eliminate the need for drivers to waste time idling at rail crossings, waiting for trains to pass.

"Making the important upgrades on these railroad crossings will positively benefit everyone impacted by delays on these crossings," said OCTA Chair Patricia Bates, also the Fifth District Supervisor. "This project will benefit pedestrians, motorists and residents alike by enhancing safety, eliminating traffic delays and improving the quality of life."



OCTA is working to improve traffic flow and safety at seven crossings along the BNSF rail line in Anaheim, Fullerton and Placentia by building a series of bridges, both underpasses and overpasses, to separate car traffic from trains. 



Placentia Avenue, which borders the cities of Fullerton and Placentia, and Kramer Boulevard are the first of the seven projects to begin construction. The additional crossings will begin construction on a staggered basis over the next two years and include Orangethorpe Avenue, Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive, Lakeview Avenue, Raymond Avenue and State College Boulevard. 



Nearly 70 trains a day travel along the BNSF rail line through Anaheim, Fullerton and Placentia and that number is anticipated to increase more than 45 percent by 2030; meaning every 10 minutes a train will be blocking each intersection.


"Without the bridges, drivers would be stuck at blocked intersections waiting for passing trains," said OCTA CEO Will Kempton. "Orange County’s economy and communities are second to none and we have to ensure our transportation system supports our growing area. These grade separation projects will have a lasting impact on drivers and I am excited to see them get under way."


NJ Transit deploys AquaTrack to fight against slippery rail

NJ Transit’s star player in the seasonal face-off against Mother Nature is again hitting the rails. AquaTrack, a high-pressure power-washing system, will lead the agency’s effort to prevent train delays associated with "slippery rail" conditions, starting this month and continuing through the end of falling leaf season.

"Fall foliage may make for a picturesque commute when the leaves are still on the trees, but after they fall onto our railroad tracks, they can become quite a nuisance," said NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein. "AquaTrack plays a vital role in helping to combat slippery rail and keep trains running on time."

Slippery rail, an age-old problem caused by autumn’s falling leaves and wet weather conditions, affects all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent. When falling leaves are crushed by train wheels, the decaying leaf material creates an oily residue that coats the rails, resulting in poor traction for trains and resulting delays.

NJ Transit introduced AquaTrack in October 2003. The system, which is pushed or pulled along its routes by a diesel locomotive, includes two 250-horsepower diesel-engine units mounted on a flat car with an operator control cab. Two pressure-pump units operate up to 20,000 pounds-per-square-inch at 17 gallons per minute, delivering water directly to the top of the rail.

To supplement the high-pressure washer, NJ Transit strategically spreads sand on the rails in advance of peak-period trains to increase traction and has implemented an extensive tree-trimming program along the right-of-way to reduce leaves falling onto the tracks.

AquaTrack operates primarily on the Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton lines, washing the rails twice a day Monday through Friday, once overnight and again during midday hours. On weekends, the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County lines are covered.

 

AECOM wins $17 million contract extension to complete second phase of DART light rail extension

AECOM Technology Corporation, provider of professional technical and management support services for government and commercial clients around the world, has been awarded a $17 million extension contract from Dallas Area Rapid Transit to complete the second phase of its light rail expansion program.

Under the contract extension, AECOM will provide a variety of project control, system integration and staff support services as DART completes the 20-mile expansion of its Orange and Blue light rail lines.

"AECOM is honored by this opportunity to continue partnering closely with DART, a key client of ours for more than two decades," said John Dionisio, AECOM chairman and chief executive officer. "We look forward to delivering innovative solutions to enhance Dallas’ mass transit systems."

AECOM’s work on the current light rail contract began during 2002 and has a value of $82 million to date.

DART names new leaders for commuter rail, marketing

Norma Navarro is the new vice president of commuter rail and Nevin Grinnell is the new vice president/chief marketing officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

Navarro has served DART in several capacities since joining the agency in 1990, most recently as assistant vice president, commuter rail administration. In her new role, she will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Trinity Railway Express and will serve as DART’s liaison with the T in Fort Worth, who co-own the 35-mile commuter rail line with DART.



Grinnell joins DART after more than 20 years in marketing, primarily in the food and beverage and consumer products sectors. Most recently, he was senior vice president of marketing for the NCH-Retail Product Group, where he was responsible for company strategy and new product innovation. He has also held marketing leadership positions at Frito Lay and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

Colo Railroad Builders appoints new CEO

Colo Railroad Builders, a provider of railroad construction and maintenance services to industrial, Class 1 and shortline railroads, appointed Paul Treangen as chief executive officer.

Treangen formerly worked as senior executive at Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Company Railroad and at Alliant Energy Transportation for more than 20 years.

"We are incredibly pleased to have Paul Treangen at the helm of L.A. Colo as we continue to build one of the leading national providers in the rail construction and maintenance of way space," said Frank Condurelis, managing director of L.A. Colo, LLC. "Paul has led and grown organizations of all sizes including rail operations, multimodal transportation and utility operations and brings unparalleled experience and skills to Colo. Bringing him on is a key next step for us as we pursue our strategy of growing Colo by offering the best in the industry in safety, quality and customer value to existing and new clients. We’re confident that Paul will lead the company with distinction in the years to come."