NTSB opens Amtrak 188 accident docket; analysis ongoing


The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened the accident docket and publicly released more than 2,000 pages of information as part of it’s ongoing investigation of the May 12, 2015 Amtrak passenger train derailment in Philadelphia.

LACMTA names TBM for Crenshaw/LAX line; pre-revenue testing begins on Gold Line Foothill Extension


Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) named the Crenshaw/LAX Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) Harriet, after Harriet Tubman, the former slave and key player in the Underground Railroad that helped slaves escape the south for the north.

MBTA dedicates new South Acton Station

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) joined the federal, state and local public officials and neighbors in South Acton, Mass., on January 30, to celebrate the recent opening of the New South Acton Commuter Rail Station.

Connecticut bond commission approves funds for Metro-North yard

Connecticut has allocated $17.5 million in state funding for the design, engineering and construction of a new rail yard on the Metro-North Railroad Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. The funding comes under Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy “Let’s Go CT!” initiative, which is making investments to upgrade and modernize the state’s transportation system.

SEPTA celebrates new West Terminal at 69th Transportation Center

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officially opened the new West Terminal at 69th Street Transportation Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 29.

MTC awards $447 million to Bay Area transit systems for improvements

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in Oakland, Calif., has allocated $494 million to help more than 20 San Francisco Bay Area transit agencies replace or rehabilitate aging buses, ferries, rail cars, tracks and bridges; update safety, control and communications systems; install new fare-collection equipment;

Sound Transit to expand layover yard

The Sound Transit Board of Directors has selected Shimmick Construction to design and build a $13.2-million expansion of the agency’s Sounder layover facilities in Lakewood, Wash.

MnDOT suspends Zip Rail work; awards study to private company

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has suspended its work on the proposed high-speed rail line project, Zip Rail, between the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Rochester, Minn., pending action by the Olmsted County Regional Railroad Authority next week.

Final major contract for East Side Access project awarded

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the final major contract for the East Side Access project, which will build and finish four platforms and eight tracks for the new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) terminal.

AAR releases inaugural State of the Industry Report

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.

Phoenix light-rail extensions accelerate with T2050 implementation

Valley Metro Rail‘s major north-south rail connection could be in service as soon as 2023 as Phoenix takes its first official steps to implement Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year, multi-modal transportation plan approved by Phoenix voters in August 2015.

Sound Transit to open University Link extension in mid-March

Sound Transit‘s University Link light-rail extension will open to passenger service on March 19, six months ahead of schedule and more than $150 million under budget.

AECOM to build SpaceX Hyperloop test track

AECOM has been selected to design and build the world’s first Hyperloop test track as part of the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, a university-focused challenge to help spur student innovation.

Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission to host Gulf Coast inspection train

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) are conducting a tour to examine new ideas for intercity passenger rail by operating an inspection train from New Orleans, La., to Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 18 and 19.

CapMetro to study transit solutions along Central Corridor

In Austin, Texas, the Capital Metro board of directors selected AECOM to conduct the Central Corridor Transit Analysis, a study designed to create connected, sustainable transportation solutions for Austin’s Central Corridor.

Seattle First Hill Streetcar opens with “soft launch”

In Seattle, Wash., the First Hill Streetcar opened with a soft launch January 23, a few weeks before it’s grand opening ceremony and celebration.

Valley Metro names Scott Smith as interim CEO

Scott Smith, former mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2013-214), has been named as the interim chief executive officer for Valley Metro, effective February 1, 2016.

Rep. Higgins provides support to NFTA rail extension

Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) is encouraging the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to pursue Alternative B, also known as the Buffalo River plan, in a study examining options to enhance access and expand connectivity along the southern end of the Metro Rail line in Downtown Buffalo, N.Y.

SEPTA plans 8.75-megawatt energy storage project

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to install a battery storage network, which will help reduce operating costs, ensure energy resiliency and support the stability of the energy grid.

Gertler joins HDR as VP of strategic consulting team

Peter Gertler has joined HDR’s strategic consulting team as vice president and is responsible for helping the firm grow its strategic consulting practice worldwide.

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