Ontario provides funds to propel two subway projects forward

The province of Ontario is providing CA$205 million (US$160 million) to help advance work for the Yonge North Subway Extension and the proposed Relief Line to help manage congestion on the Yonge Line in the Toronto area.

PATH plans PTC install, CBTC upgrade on 33rd Street line for August

Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) plans to suspend weekend service on its 33rd Street line in Manhattan, N.Y., beginning in August to progress an upgrade to its signal system, including installation of positive train control (PTC).

CH2M rehabilitating TRE timber trestle

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) awarded an engineering services contract to CH2M for the rehabilitation of the timber pile trestle span Trinity Railway Express (TRE) bridge over Inwood Road.

2016 annual grade crossing report

Whether they are made of concrete, wood, composite or rubber, grade-crossing surfaces are made to provide a smooth, safe surface for railroads and vehicles to traverse across.

Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration invest in new Baltimore Penn Station backup generator system

Amtrak and the Maryland Transit Administration have invested $1.2 million in a new backup generator system at Baltimore Penn Station to ensure station readiness and reliability, as well as maintain continuity of critical station operations during extended utility outages.

CTA receives perfect score from FTA

As reported by Railway Age, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced on June 8, 2016 that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the top federal oversight agency for transit agencies, gave the CTA a perfect score on its FTA Triennial Review and found no deficiencies across multiple categories and departments.

XpressWest continues development sans CRI assistance

In September 2015, XpressWest and China Railway International USA, Co., LTD. (CRI) commenced joint venture activities intended to advance the high-speed rail line planned to link Las Vegas, Nev., and Los Angeles, Calif.

Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont’s rail lines.

CTA to renovate historic Quincy Loop Station, awards construction contract

The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Board of Directors has approved a contract for renovations of the historic Quincy station, one of CTA’s oldest stations built in 1897.

WSDOT opens availability for loans, grants for freight rail improvement projects

Applications are now being accepted for Washington state-funded grants and loans for projects that improve freight rail services. Funds will be available in July 2017.

New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track

New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.

Across the US communities seek $9.3 billion in TIGER funding

The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded.

DART Rail/Trinity Railway Express turns 20

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will celebrate 20 years in service this month. Notable milestones surrounding its 20 years includes more than 360 million passenger trips, 90 miles of rail, $8-billion in economic impact and $5 billion in private transit oriented development at or near rail stations.

Trackwork complete for Toronto-York Spadina extension

Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the site of the future Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station at Highway 7 in York Region on June 6 to mark the completion of track work on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE).

Ontario makes another big funding commitment to rail transit

The province of Ontario is committing more than CA$1 billion (US$779 million) toward the city of Ottawa’s light-rail transit (LRT) expansion project, which the province says will help grow the economy, reduce travel times and connect people to jobs.

Two design-build contracts awarded for LIRR Double Track project

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track project is one step closer to breaking ground after two design-build contracts were awarded for work that will significantly advance the project.

Purple Line Extension station construction set to begin on LACMTA

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will begin building the Wilshire/La Brea underground station for the Purple Line Extension Project June 10.

TriMet promotes Witter to lead capital projects and construction

Steve Witter has been promoted to executive director of TriMet‘s Capital Projects and Construction Division.

SacRT names Li as new GM/CEO

After a nationwide search, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) appointed Henry Li as the new general manager and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2016.

Metra hosts safety train in celebration of National Safety Month

Metra hosted a special Safety Train excursion June 3 to commemorate National Safety Month and highlight the numerous ways that Metra strives to operate the safest possible railroad for its customers, employees, local schoolchildren and the public.

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