David Connell Joins Evertrak’s Tie Transformation Team
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
David Connell
Courtesy of Evertrak
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Evertrak announced it has appointed David Connell to its Tie Transformation Team.
According to the release, Connell is an expert with more than four decades of experience in “railroad operations and infrastructure management experience.” Previously, Connell worked at Union Pacific as Vice President of Engineering. In that role, he oversaw design, construction, and maintenance of the Class I’s network. At UP, Connell worked as an “industry leader in embracing alternative track materials, new track inspection technologies, infrastructure management systems, and improved derailment cause finding processes.” In his position at Evertrak, Connell’s experience will enhance the company’s expertise in “its production capabilities” through its partnership with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, or SCOA. Evertrak’s manufacturing facility is located in St. Louis, Missouri and has installed more than 100,000 composite ties.
Founder and CEO of Evertrak Tim Noonan said, “David has been a champion of composite railroad infrastructure solutions since their first introduction three decades ago. . . His extensive background in track materials innovation, infrastructure management, and strategic engineering leadership will be invaluable as we continue to transform the railroad tie industry with out environmentally sustainable GFRP composite alternatives that outperform traditional wooden ties.”
David Connell said, “The time is now to accelerate the transformation of the railroad tie infrastructure across much of North America’s 140,000-mile network. . . Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges that traditional wooden ties present in high-rot regions, where they can fail in less than 12 years despite creosote treatment. Over the last 30 years, I have seen many attempts to optimize the design and performance of composite ties. The Evertrak tie checks all the boxes. Their GFRP composite ties are engineered to last up to 50 years while meeting all AREMA standards, dramatically reducing lifecycle costs and environmental impact. I’m excited to join the only AAR M-1003 certified manufacturer in the composite tie segment at this pivotal moment in rail infrastructure modernization.”
