TSB issues final report on VIA Rail crossing accident; notes safety procedure revisions

In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that the May 2013 collision between a VIA Rail Canada passenger train and a tractor-trailer at a private level crossing in Québec City occurred when the train was proceeding through the crossing while the manual gate protecting the crossing was up.

RTD celebrates two decades of light-rail service

October 7, 2014, marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Central Rail Line, Regional Transportation District of Denver’s (RTD) first light-rail line.

Atlanta Streetcar deems first test a success

On October 1, Atlanta Streetcar 1001 made its first trip around the system’s 2.7-mile route under its own power.

Hensel Phelps wins design and build contract

Hensel Phelps Construction Co. has been awarded the contract to design and build the rail yard and maintenance facility for Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (Silver Line).

ConnDOT plans to replace Walk Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) plans to close a $188-million funding gap for the design and replacement of the 118-year-old Walk Bridge in Norwalk, Conn., which malfunctioned in two separate incidents within a two week period over the summer, and is used by Metro-North New Haven Line trains.

Engineering report details work needed to fix Amtrak New York tunnels

An engineering report, detailing damage to the Amtrak-owned Hudson River and East River tunnels from Superstorm Sandy, recommends a phased process to take individual tubes out of service for extended periods to perform the work required to maintain reliability of train movements in and out of New York City.

Houston METRO delays opening of two light rail lines to 2015

The opening date for Houston METRO‘s new East End (Green) and Southeast (Purple) Lines have been revised. Issues affecting completion of the additional 10 miles of rail include problems on non-METRO construction projects in the central business district and the performance of equipment used to regulate METRO’s light-rail traffic.

Metro-North; city of Mount Vernon partnering on trio of bridge replacements

Metro-North Railroad and the city of Mount Vernon, N.Y., have agreed to work together to replace up to three bridges that carry vehicular traffic over Metro-North’s New Haven Line. The bridges are located at Tenth Avenue, Sixth Avenue and North 14th Avenue.

CHSRA appoints director of planning and integration

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has appointed Melissa DuMond as director of planning and integration. She will be responsible for advancing CHSRA’s implementation of the high-speed rail program by coordinating station area development, overseeing the advancement of integrated service with other rail providers and management of general corridor planning activities.

New regional rail station coming to Allston, Mass.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick today joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary Richard Davey, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and state and local officials to announce that the I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike Allston Interchange Improvements project will include a new commuter rail stop, with pedestrian and bike access, that will allow for increased development and growth opportunities in the area.

Groundbreaking ceremony held for LACMTA Regional Connector

Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Regional Connector, a two-mile light-rail transit segment connecting three existing transit lines in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.

TEX Rail construction could begin in 2016 with ROD receipt

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) received a Record of Decision (ROD) from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the TEX Rail project. The ROD sets the stage for construction on the project to possibly begin in 2016.

Metrolinx acquires CN line for regional rail service

In Toronto, ON, Canada, Metrolinx purchased a segment of Canadian National rail line principally used by GO Transit passenger trains in the Georgetown-Kitchener, ON, area west of Toronto for CA$76 million (US$68 million).

SCVTA receives funds for Mountain View Double Track Project

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission allocated $8 million in federal funding for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) Mountain View Double Track Project.

MTA proposes $32 billion five-year capital plan

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) released its proposed 2015-2019 Capital Program, which details its plan to ensure safe and reliable service for a growing region by investing in the subway, bus, commuter railroad, bridge and tunnel network.

LACMTA eyes federal funding for Phase 2 of Purple Line Extension

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is considering federal funding for phase two of its Purple Line Extension in the form of a $1.1 billion grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program and a $307 million low-interest loan from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program. The LACMTA Board would have to give approval before the transit agency could apply for the funds.

FTA awards nearly $3.6 billion in federal disaster relief funds

The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) awarded 40 projects a total of $3.59 billion in federal disaster relief funds to help public transportation systems in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy to become more resilient, in order to withstand the impact of future natural disasters.

Illinois high-speed project wraps up track and tie replacement

The Illinois high-speed rail project connecting Chicago to St. Louis reached a significant milestone in construction September 22, 2014, when the last segment of track and crossties were replaced.

CTA breaks ground on “signature” transit hub

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) broke ground on its new 95th Street Terminal, one of the largest station projects in CTA history. The $240-million reconstruction project will replace the current facility, built in 1969, creating a “signature” transit hub that will serve CTA’s busiest rail line.

SEPTA, MTA receive federal funds for storm resiliency

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have been awarded nearly $2 billion in storm resiliency funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). All of the grants are part of the FTA Emergency Relief Program & Disaster Relief Appropriations.

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