Watco names Becker SVP Transportation

Mitch Becker has been named senior vice president of Transportation at Watco. As SVP of Transportation, Becker will be responsible for all operations within the transportation division of Watco including the West, Central and Gulf/East Regions. In this position Mitch will report directly to Terry Towner, president & COO of Watco.

Becker has been part of the Watco team since 2007, when he was hired as the COO of the Gulf/ East Region. In 2009, he assumed the additional COO responsibilities of the Central Region.

Mode Transportation names CSXT as Rail Carrier of the Year

Mode Transportation, provider of truckload, less-than-truckload and intermodal services, has selected CSX Transportation Intermodal as its 2010 Rail Carrier of the Year. This is the first year that CSXT Intermodal has been selected for this award, based on input from Mode Transportation’s independent business owners and executive management team.

"In what was a dynamic year for the Intermodal industry, CSXT Intermodal rose to the occasion to deliver unparalleled value," said Todd Thompson, senior vice president of Mode Transportation. "CSXT Intermodal team’s sales approach was instrumental in providing workable, creative solutions to our diverse customer base throughout the year."

 

Amtrak installing new heavy steel fence along HSR tracks in Maryland

Amtrak is installing a heavy steel, eight-foot high, high-security fence along a portion of its high-speed tracks in Middle River, Maryland, to deter access to the railroad. Beginning in late April, work will begin on the installation of new fencing on both sides of the tracks from Martin Boulevard southwest to where it meets up with an existing fence. A portion of the existing fence also will be replaced. In all, more than 6,400 feet of fencing will be installed and additional "No Trespassing" signs will be posted.

The $3.1 million project will take approximately six months to complete. When completed, there will be nearly two miles of continuous fencing from Martin Boulevard to Stemmers Run Road. Individuals may use the pedestrian underpass at Martin Boulevard, which will also be improved as part of the project, to safely cross to the other side of the tracks.

"The new fence will make it harder for a person to access the tracks, but to achieve maximum safety, individuals must make the right decision to stay off the tracks and not use it as a shortcut," sayid Amtrak Chief of Police John O’Connor.

"Our most important goal is safety," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. "I am pleased Amtrak is taking these significant steps, building taller and stronger fencing. I thank everyone who had a role in this project, working together to make Middle River a safer community for everyone."

The Middle River community is located about 11 miles north of Baltimore and is within the busy Northeast Corridor, home to frequent and daily Amtrak train service. The section of track where the fence is being installed includes Acela Express and Northeast Regional service, which operate at speeds up to 125 mph as well as some freight train traffic.

UP promotes three in marketing and sales

Union pacific promoted three within its marketing and sales department.

Linda Brandl has been promoted to vice president and general manager of Automotive. Brandl has more than 22 years experience with the railroad, most recently serving as vice president of the National Customer Service Center.

Beth Whited has been promoted to vice president of NCSC. She has been with UP for 23 years, most recently serving as assistant vice president of Union Pacific Distribution Services.

Brad Thrasher has been promoted to assistant vice president of UPDS. He has 23 years experience with Union Pacific, most recently serving as assistant vice president of Streamline.

Honolulu submits $5.3 billion first financial draft for FTA review

The Honolulu Rail Transit Project submitted its first draft of an updated financial plan to the Federal Transit Administration for its review. The update, submitted in accordance with FTA requirements, places capital costs for the project at $5.3 billion, which includes finance charges, adjustments for inflation and a 21 percent contingency of $865 million to cover unforeseen costs.

"As the project’s engineering advances and construction costs become more defined, the city and county of Honolulu is able to sharpen its financial plan to better reflect project needs and provide a more realistic financial roadmap," said Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle. "So many people depend on transit now and will depend on it in the future. This plan helps those responsible to track the project and make sure every dollar is spent prudently."

Revenue for the project comes from two primary sources: the general excise and use tax surcharge and federal funds. The updated plan sets revenue from the state’s GET surcharge applied to Oahu through 2022 at approximately $3.3 billion. This number reflects up to date, actual GET surcharge collections and takes into account the most recent economic forecast of GET revenue from the State Department of Taxation. The other primary source of revenue is federal funds. FTA New Starts funding remains at $1.55 billion, while the need for FTA section 5307 funding has been reduced in the updated plan by $56 million, from $300 million reported earlier to $244 million. Remaining revenue sources of approximately $300 million come from the project’s starting cash balance and from interest income.

"Support from Washington regarding New Starts funding for this project remains strong," said Mayor Carlisle. "It is imperative that the City maximize its use of federal money for Oahu’s rail and bus systems over the long term. This is a priority and we will work closely with the City Council and the newly formed Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to keep it this way."

After the FTA reviews and comments on the draft plan, a final version will be submitted prior to entry into the project’s final design phase, anticipated to occur later this year.

Honolulu’s 20-mile rail transit project will connect East Kapolei with Ala Moana Center and includes 21 stations along the rail line within the island’s most congested urban corridor.

Chicago’s Mayor-elect Emanuel names city transportation team

Rahm Emanuel, Chicago’s Mayor-elect, selected the city’s transportation team on April 19, 2011.

Forrest Claypool was named Chicago Transit Authority president. Claypool served two terms as Cook County commissioner and is also a former Superintendent of the Chicago Park District. Claypool has served as Illinois’ deputy state treasurer, deputy commissioner of the Cook County Board of (Property Tax) Appeals and as chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Terry Peterson will continue to serve as Chicago Transit Board chair, a position he has held since 2009. During his tenure, he has been an advocate for CTA customers. He fought for federal and state funds to make the CTA more reliable and convenient for Chicagoans across the city. Prior to his time on the Board, he served six years as the chief executive officer of the Chicago Housing Authority.

Gabe Klein was named Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner. Klein served as director of the District Department of Transportation under Mayor Adrian Fenty in Washington, D.C. Klein’s tenure at the DDOT coupled bold policy initiatives with improvements in existing infrastructure, including the expansion of Circulator bus lines, initiating the largest number of complex infrastructure projects in DDOT history and launching the nation’s largest bikesharing program.

California elected officials call for “blended” HSR plan

California State Senator Joe Simitian and Representatives Anna Eshoo and Rich Gordon have released a statement on high-speed rail in the state, where it is and where it is going.

As funding is an issue, the statement said, "If we can barely find the funds to do high speed rail right, we most certainly cannot find the funds to do high speed rail wrong.

"Accordingly, we call upon the High-Speed Rail Authority and our local CalTrain Joint Powers Board to develop plans for a blended system that integrates high-speed rail with a 21st Century CalTrain."

Three key points were made:

• We explicitly reject the notion of high-speed rail running from San Jose to San Francisco on an elevated structure or "viaduct" and we call on the High-Speed Rail Authority to eliminate further consideration of an aerial option;

• We fully expect that high-speed rail running from San Jose to San Francisco can and should remain within the existing CalTrain right of way; and,

• Third and finally, consistent with a project of this more limited scope, the Authority should abandon its preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for a phased project of larger dimensions over a 25 year timeframe. Continuing to plan for a project of this scope in the face of limited funding and growing community resistance is a fool’s errand; and is particularly ill-advised when predicated on ridership projections that are less than credible.

"Within the existing right-of-way, at or below grade, a single blended system could allow high-speed rail arriving in San Jose to continue north in a seamless fashion as part of a 21st Century CalTrain, while maintaining the currently projected speeds and travel time for high-speed rail," the statement explained.

All of this is possible, but only if the High-Speed Rail Authority takes this opportunity to rethink its direction, the officials noted in the statement.

 

MTA revives “If you see something, say something” safety campaign

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched its newest round of television, print and poster advertisements intended to remind customers to remain alert while using MTA services. The latest update of the MTA’s award-winning "If You See Something, Say Something" security awareness campaign will appear on television beginning immediately and in print in the beginning of May.

Building on the success of earlier ads produced under the widely-recognized campaign, this new round uses stark images that renew the seriousness of the message. Prior ads portrayed images of unattended packages in transit facilities with passengers busily walking past. The new round of ads depicts what appear to be potential terrorists planting bags on subways, buses and trains.

"The safety and security of our customers is our top priority," said Jay Walder, the chairman and CEO of the MTA. "We are hardening our infrastructure and conducting enhanced policing in coordination with our regional law enforcement partners. But these ads reinforce the important role our customers will always play in ensuring the safety of transit users throughout the entire MTA system."

The $10 million campaign is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which last year requested permission from the MTA to use the slogan nationwide. The campaign includes four 15-second television spots as well as newspaper print ads and posters on subways, buses and trains. It was created by MTA ad agency Korey, Kay & Partners.

Honolulu Mayor, City Council announce transit authority members

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and the Honolulu City Council have appointed the Council’s nominees to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, which will oversee the rail transit project connecting East Kapolei with Ala Moana Center.

HART will be comprised of three members appointed by the council and three others by the mayor. The city and state transportation directors will also serve on the authority, which will then choose its ninth member. The director of the Department of Planning and Permitting is an ex-officio non-voting tenth member of HART.

Mayor Carlisle appointed retired union representative William Hong, current Corporation Counsel Carrie Okinaga and First Hawaiian Bank Chairman Don Horner.

"These three highly-qualified individuals, with years of valuable experience in their respective fields, will keep politics out of the rail project," said Carlisle. "I am grateful they agreed to serve the public by being part of HART, to ensure the project stays on course to be completed on time and on budget."

Council Vice-Chair and Transportation Committee Chair Breene Harimoto introduced the following nominees, subject to a Council vote: attorney Ivan Lui-Kwan, strategic planner Keslie Hui and Damien Kim of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Auto Truck to open production facility in Canada

Auto Truck Group LLC, a full-line upfitter serving the work truck industry, will expand operations into Canada with the opening of a new production facility in Mississauga, ON. Dennis Jones, ATG’s vice president of sales and marketing, who will manage the operation, says, "We are very excited about the opportunity to extend our company’s services to the Canadian marketplace. This facility will allow ATG to continue to grow our brand in a completely new market, while expanding our services to current customers with operations in Canada."

ATG’s 20,000-square-foot Mississauga production facility will be operational by the end of summer. Applications for CMVSS certifications and OEM Ship-Thru status have been submitted in time for the 2012 model year.

"Our plans are to draw upon the expertise and knowledge that has come from 90 years in the work truck industry to offer innovative upfitting solutions to Canadian clients," says Jones.

Virginia Gov. McDonnell signs $4B infrastructure bill, rail included

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law the most significant investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system in a generation. The legislation, HB2527 and SB1446, sponsored by Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford) and Senators Chuck Colgan (D-Manassas) and William Wampler (R-Bristol), creates a framework to invest nearly $4 billion into Virginia’s road, rail and transit networks and fund more than 900 projects over the next three years without raising taxes.

Speaking about the transportation legislation, Governor McDonnell noted, "It has been over 20 years since we have made a major investment in our transportation system. This common-sense legislation takes advantage of previously authorized and innovative new financing mechanisms at a time when interest rates and construction costs are at near historic lows and Virginians are in dire need of jobs."

All regions of the Commonwealth will benefit from 900 projects that will be funded by this legislation, which include rail and transit improvements.

The Governor said, "A recent report by Chmura Economics shows that construction of the 900 projects will grow the Virginia economy by over $13 billion and support an additional 100,000 jobs. This transportation legislation that we are signing today is a bipartisan achievement that will benefit Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth."

Of the many improvements, investments in Washington Metro, Hampton Roads Light rail and other transit providers, including VRE to extend to Spotsylvania County are included in the legislation.

Jeff Southard, executive vice president of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance said, "Virginia’s transportation system is finally receiving the significant investment that will not only improve the travel experience for the millions who depend upon Virginia’s roads and transit systems each day, but it will support much-needed jobs for construction professionals throughout the Commonwealth. The transportation construction industry is a major economic driver and provider of employment in Virginia that has struggled because we have neglected our responsibility to invest in the Commonwealth’s infrastructure for so long. The legislation signed today will help Virginia’s economy to once again thrive."

 

 

St. Paul’s Mayor says FTA to commit Central Corridor funds next week

St. Paul, Minn., Mayor Chris Coleman delivered his annual State of the City address on April 18, including an announcement regarding major funds being allocated for the Central Corridor light-rail project.

The new line, a new 11-mile route between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, has already begun construction without the federal funding in place, completing more than 11 percent of the project.

The Mayor stated that on April 26, the Federal Transit Administration will sign the long-awaited full funding grant agreement, committing about $460 million in federal funds toward the $957 million project.

In his speech, he spoke on how the light-rail project would create educational opportunities.

"Education will be at the core of our mission. A strong transit system will allow children to get from their school to an after school program, downtown for an internship, or, after graduating from high school, to one of the many colleges or universities connected to the corridor."

Later in his address, in concluding the segment on transportation improvements, he said, "After 30 years of discussion, on April 26, next week, the full funding grant agreement will be signed. While that will be an incredible day to celebrate, we should also note a more interesting fact. As of February 28, 11.9 percent of the corridor construction has already been completed. Who says we Saint Paulites aren’t over-achievers?"

Trains are expected to begin running in 2014.

Granite awarded $41M rail relocation project in Northern California

Granite Construction Incorporated, a heavy civil contractor and construction material producer, has been awarded a $41 million rail relocation project by the City of Sacramento, Calif. Granite booked the project into its first quarter 2011 backlog.

Located in downtown Sacramento, the Railyards project includes the relocation of approximately 2.3 miles of heavy rail track, major utility infrastructure and site improvements, construction of multiple access tunnels for pedestrians and service vehicles, as well as new passenger tracks and platforms. The project is part of a 245-acre redevelopment effort designed to improve connectivity in downtown Sacramento in preparation for future expansion plans including residential and commercial development.
Work is estimated to begin in May 2011 and be completed by December 2012.

Caltrain study to focus on feasibility of initial HSR service

California’s Caltrain is preparing to conduct a series of feasibility studies to determine whether the electrification and modernization of the commuter rail system can be designed and constructed to meet Caltrain’s future operational needs, while also accommodating initial high-speed rail operations on the Peninsula corridor.

The analysis marks the first time Caltrain has undertaken an independent assessment of the commuter rail agency’s infrastructure needs in a manner that focuses on the possible additional elements that could be necessary to operate an initial level of high-speed rail service in the future on the Caltrain right-of-way.

In 2009, following the approval of billions of dollars in state and federal high-speed rail funding, Caltrain engaged in a collaborative effort with the California High Speed Rail Authority to jointly plan, design and construct the project between San Francisco and San Jose. The goal was to accommodate high-speed rail in a manner that provided meaningful assistance to Caltrain’s long-term modernization goals.

In 2010, after the selection of the Central Valley as the starting point for the statewide high-speed rail project, Caltrain announced that it would reexamine its approach and called on CHSRA to revise its planning process to study the concept of phased implementation of the project.

At its February Board meeting, CHSRA CEO Roelof Van Ark directed Authority staff to analyze the potential for a phased approach on the Peninsula. The CHSRA Board is scheduled to receive more detail about this approach at its May meeting to be held in San Jose.

In a phased approach, the first phase is envisioned to electrify the Caltrain system and potentially allow CHSRA to operate enough service to satisfy initial ridership demand. Subsequent phases would expand the capacity of the system to meet additional ridership demand if needed.

Additional studies that will be part of the planning exercise will include ridership projections, service plans, cost estimates and impacts analyses. The planning effort would inform the HSR draft environmental document, scheduled for public release in the Fall of 2012.

Modernization would generate additional revenue for the system by attracting more riders. If the project proceeds on time this additional revenue would reduce the agency’s operating deficit by 45 percent in 2019.
Modernization includes electrification of the corridor, installation of a new signaling system and the operation of electric trains.

 

Perella Weinberg Partners affiliate to acquire AIG Rail Services

An affiliate of Perella Weinberg Partners’ Asset Based Value strategy has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AIG Rail Services Inc., a provider of customized full service and net leases servicing the railroads. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

As part of the transaction, certain funds within the Asset Based Value strategy have formed a new entity to purchase and manage AIG Rail Services Inc., which will be converted into a limited liability company as part of the transactions and continue operations under the name Flagship Rail Services LLC. Eugene Henneberry, president and CEO of AIG Rail Services, will assume the title of president CEO of Flagship Rail Services and will continue to run the business, along with AIG Rail Services’ existing management team. Subject to certain conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2011.

Through this transaction, Perella Weinberg Partners’ Asset Based Value strategy will continue to expand its rail leasing and investments. Upon consummation of the transaction, the Asset Based Value strategy will own over 10,000 railcars that are deployed in the North American rail industry, making it the 9th largest lessor of railcars in the region.

David Schiff, partner at Perella Weinberg Partners and portfolio manager of the Asset Based Value strategy, stated, "Today’s announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to pursuing compelling investment opportunities that generate cash flow. We continue to see long-term value in rail and this transaction will allow us to expand our portfolio of rail-related assets, including railcars, chassis solutions and intermodal leasing. Rail remains the most efficient mode of transportation and we expect to benefit from the positive industry dynamics going forward."

Henneberry said, "This transaction enables the AIG Rail Services employees and management team to partner with David Schiff and his team to continue providing our clients with the best-in-class service that they have come to expect. We are pleased to be joining forces with such an experienced team that shares our desire to grow Flagship Rail Services."

Pennsylvania receives $6.8M from feds for freight upgrades

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $6.8 million grant to upgrade freight rail service in four central Pennsylvania counties supporting the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposits. Thanks to these projects, one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits will receive the rail transportation improvements needed to meet growing demand.

The project, which includes 200 miles of track improvements and bridge rehabilitation, is expected to create more than 300 construction jobs in Pennsylvania. These upgrades will expand the capacity, efficiency and safety of Pennsylvania’s short line rail network in Lycoming, Centre, Blair and Northumberland counties.

The grant from the TIGER II program will be matched by $4.6 million from the Susquehanna Economic Development Association – Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority.

UP to put $17M into Illinois track improvements

Union Pacific will continue improving Illinois’ transportation infrastructure with a nearly $17 million investment to enhance the rail line that runs from Dupo to about five miles south of Valmeyer. The nearly 26-mile project includes removing and installing new rail, renewing the surfaces in 38 road crossings and replacing five switches.

Additionally, the rail yard at Dupo will receive improvements including the removing and installing more than 11,000 ties, replacing seven switches and spreading more than 4,000 tons of ballast.

CTA, Parsons Brinkerhoff receive award for Dearborn Subway track renewal Project

The Chicago Transit Authority and co-recipient Parsons Brinkerhoff received an Honors Award for exceptional engineering achievement in the transportation category from the American Council of Engineering Companies for the track repair and replacement in the Blue Line’s Dearborn subway.

The criteria for this award involved complexity and innovation, quality, safety, cost control, sustainability, customer service and public benefits.

The Dearborn Subway Track Renewal Project rehabilitated more than 39,000 feet of track on the second busiest of CTA’s rail lines. As part of the project, crews replaced nearly seven miles of running rail, contact rail and ties, including all wooden ties dating back to the 1950s, which were replaced with concrete. In addition, 6,000 feet of ballasted track in the subway was replaced with a direct fixation concrete slab track system. CTA began work in April 2009 and the work was completed in March 2010.

"Receiving this high honor from National Council of Engineering Companies is a great accomplishment and recognizes CTA’s continued efforts to improve the reliability of service for our customers," said CTA President Richard Rodriguez. "CTA worked hard under an aggressive schedule in order to minimize the impact of construction on our customers and completed the project on-time and under budget."

The $87.8 million project was one of the first construction projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. General contractor Kiewit-Reyes, J.J.V. handled the construction with numerous local subcontractors.

 

Koppers to market rail joints

Koppers Inc., producer of crossties and related pressure-treated wood products for railroads, is now designing, manufacturing and marketing an extensive line of rail joint products acquired from Portec Rail Products Inc. late in 2010.

These rail joint products are continuing to be manufactured at the former Portec Rail Products Inc. plant in Huntington, W.V., which was acquired in the transaction.