N.C. DOT awards short line railroad grants for infrastructure improvement
Short line railroads in North Carolina are about to get a financial shot in the arm for infrastructure improvements.
Breaking News
Caltrain: grade-separated East 25th Avenue reopens
The grade separated crossing at East 25th Avenue in San Mateo has been reopened to all modes of traffic.
Federal infrastructure bill to increase overall spending on MARTA capital improvement projects
The US Senate’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill increases Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for MARTA and other transit agencies by 65 percent over previous levels and includes important policy changes that will positively impact transit expansion in the metro Atlanta region.
MTA announces major promotions in leadership ranks at New York City Transit
Acting MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber recently announced his intention to appoint Craig Cipriano as the next Interim President of New York City Transit. Additionally, current Interim President Sarah Feinberg has promoted Demetrius Crichlow to serve as Senior Vice President of NYCT’s Department of Subways.
Pettibone launches X-Command Telematics for telehandlers, Cary-Lift and Speed Swing
Pettibone has introduced X-Command, a new telematics program available for the company’s X-Series telehandlers, Cary-Lift pipe and pole handlers, and Speed Swing rail maintenance machines.
Metro issues go-ahead to two private firms developing transit concepts for Sepulveda Corridor
Metro has issued Notices to Proceed to two private sector teams to officially begin Pre-Development work on Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project concepts for a new, high-capacity transit line that will connect the San Fernando Valley with the Westside and eventually LAX.
NTSB issues Investigative Update for MBTA collision
Following up on an earlier story regarding the collision of two MBTA Green Line trolleys, the NTSB has issued an Investigative Update around the accident.
UP opens Dry Canyon bridge ahead of schedule
After weeks of battling wildfires and floods, Union Pacific is seeing a bit of a reprieve from the fires. RT&S has reported on this situation for the past several weeks, and it’s nice to share some good news on this front.
Two MBTA Green Line trolleys collide
The MBTA trolley system suffered a crash last week.
Is Class 1 rail employment growing?
For the most part, the employment story at U.S. railroads during the past couple of years has been dismal. The words fear, layoff, furlough, cut, and fire have peppered nearly all news stories on the subject. PSR “adjustments” and Covid have mostly driven the reduction in the workforce.
Read: NTSB releases public docket of train derailment and fire in Tempe, Ariz.
The NTSB has released a preliminary document regarding the UP derailment and fire in Tempe, Ariz.
MARTA makes additional push to engage business owners, residents for historic Campbellton Corridor transit investment
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is expanding its outreach efforts to ensure residents, stakeholders and business owners in the Campbellton Road area have an opportunity to weigh in on historic transit investment planned for the corridor.
TNW Corporation selects TekTracking TIMPS to manage track inspection and maintenance
TekTracking LLC, a railroad asset management technology development company, recently announced that TNW Corporation (TNW), a privately held organization that owns three short line railroads and transportation logistics companies in Texas, has selected TIMPS to manage their track inspection, maintenance, and scheduling activities across all their railroads.
Norfolk International Terminals receives grant for new rail facilities
Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board has approved a $450,000 grant for Norfolk International Terminals at the Port of Virginia.
Union Pacific continues to struggle with wildfires
Wildfires continue to plague Union Pacific’s lines in several places. Below is a message posted to customers yesterday (July 28, 2021) from Kenny Rocker, EVP, Marketing & Sales.
Oliver promoted to vice president of automated track inspection at Mermec
West Columbia, SC July 8, 2021 – MERMEC Inc. (MMI) a wholly owned subsidiary MerMec S.p.A. both Angel Group companies is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Kevin D. Oliver, PMP to the leadership role of Vice President Automated Track Inspection Program – ATIP.
Metrolink certifies final EIR for Simi Valley double track project
On July 23rd, the Metrolink Board of Directors certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for its Simi Valley Double Track Project, which is designed to increase train capacity on Metrolink’s Ventura County Line and the existing Simi Valley Station.
HNTB names Mel Sears president of northwest division
HNTB’s Mel Sears, PE, PMP, has been named president of the firm’s Northwest Division, overseeing vital and complex infrastructure programs in growth markets, including highways, rail/transit, tolling and aviation. He is based in the firm’s Bellevue office.
TransLink to upgrade the SkyTrain SkyBridge
On July 31, TransLink will start construction to replace aging expansion joints along the SkyTrain tracks of the SkyBridge, which serves as a key connection for Expo Line service between New Westminster and Surrey.
Darren Kettle named Metrolink chief executive officer
[Friday, July 23], the Board of Directors of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority named Darren Kettle chief executive officer (CEO) of Metrolink. Kettle is currently the executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), one of the five regional transportation agencies that comprise the joint powers authority that governs Metrolink.