APTA asks Congress to authorize $100-billion federal transit program

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has released its recommendations for authorization of the transportation bill that is set to expire at the end of September 2014.

Lack of funds kills Oregon’s Columbia River Crossing project

Oregon’s Columbia River Crossing project will shut down completely by May 31, 2014, after the Oregon Legislature adjourned without reinstating construction funds for the CRC I-5 Bridge Replacement project March 7, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Construction begins on Evergreen Line tunnel

Construction has started on the Evergreen Line tunnel in Vancouver, BC, Canada, with the use of tunnel boring machine named “Alice,” after Alice Wilson, Canada’s first female geologist.

Amtrak outlines 2014 infrastructure schedule

Amtrak plans to move forward on key improvement projects in 2014, including continued installation of positive train control (PTC), the start of major construction to upgrade Northeast Corridor high-speed rail and expansion of station accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

MBTA opens Yawkey Station

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority opened its new Yawkey Station and marked the start of enhanced passenger rail service on the Framingham/Worcester Line.

Maryland Transit Administration to close three LRT stations for crossing improvement project

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is launching a track crossing improvement project at Union Avenue and Clipper Mill Road March 14 that will temporarily close three light-rail stations at Mt. Washington, W. Cold Spring and Woodberry.

Massachusetts Senate approves transportation bond bill

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the commonwealth’s transportation system.

Keolis North America awarded MBTA contract

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has awarded Keolis North America a $2.6-billion, eight-year contract to manage, operate and maintain the passenger rail service. The contract includes the option for two additional two-year extensions and if granted, the total contract value would rise to $4.2 billion over 12 years.

TriMet Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail bridge now connected to land

TriMet‘s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Bridge over the Willamette River is now connected to land in the South Waterfront area, making the overall 7.3-mile transit project 70 percent complete.

USDOT says proposed budget would address infrastructure deficit

U.S. Department of Transportation says its $90.9 billion proposed budget would lay a new foundation for economic growth and competitiveness by addressing growing infrastructure deficit, investing in the national infrastructure network and increasing safety and efficiency.

FTA capital investment programs get boost under president’s proposed budget

The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program is getting a funding boost under President Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget. The proposed budget for 2015 includes $2.5 billion for FTA’s grant programs and represents an increase of $400 million over the requested 2014 budget.

Winter Park station opens in Florida

The Winter Park rail station, which serves both Amtrak and SunRail passengers, officially opened in Florida March 3 with a grand opening ceremony, which was attended by officials from Amtrak, city of Winter Park, Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and other community leaders.

CN completes sale of Quebec line to AMT for commuter service

Canadian National closed the sale of a rail line in Quebec to Agence métropolitaine de transports (AMT) for CA$97 million (US$87 million). The line is principally used by AMT commuter trains between Deux-Montagnes and Montreal’s Central Station.

Caltrain releases electrification project draft environmental report

Caltrain has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the planned electrification of the corridor between San Jose and San Francisco, Calif., which will upgrade the signal system, implement Positive Train Control, electrify the corridor and purchase new high-performance electric multiple units (EMUs).

Amtrak returns to Denver Union Station

Amtrak moved back to Denver Union Station at February 28, 2014, after being temporarily relocated during construction for redevelopment of the historic building, new commuter rail station and underground bus concourse.

Aecon partnership recommended for Waterloo Region LRT project

GrandLinq consortium, which is comprised of Plenary Group, Meridiam, Aecon, Kiewit and Keolis, has been recommended for the development of the Region of Waterloo Stage 1 Light Rail Transit Project in Ontario, Canada.

USDOT report on highway, transit conditions points to need for more investment

A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report on the state of America’s transportation infrastructure, 2013 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges and Transit: Conditions and Performance, concludes that more investment is needed to maintain and improve the nation’s highway and transit systems.

Sound Transit to study alignment for potential Tacoma Link expansion

Sound Transit has identified an alignment along Stadium Way and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to the Hilltop District for the planned expansion of Tacoma Link light-rail service.

NYCT continues Montague Tube reconstruction through a cold, hard winter

Deep through the heart of winter, work on New York City Transit‘s Montague Tube continues with a focus on the demolition of concrete walls and removal of debris caused by Superstorm Sandy.

Metrolink names new CFO/treasurer

Metrolink has hired Sam Joumblat, a veteran financial expert with more than 30 years of business and engineering experience, as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective March 17.

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