INRD’s track investment results in faster train speeds

The Indiana Rail Road (INRD) is investing millions of dollars in private capital on the north end of its Indianapolis Subdivision this summer, which will result in faster, quieter-moving trains and smooth grade crossings.

All Aboard Florida unveils design for Fort Lauderdale station

Local Florida officials joined All Aboard Florida executives at the revealing of designs for the passenger service’s new Fort Lauderdale station, which was planned and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in association with Zyscovich Architects.

Expansion of rail unloading capacity at Port Metro Vancouver complete

Work to expand the rail unloading capacity of the West Coast Reduction facility at Port Metro Vancouver has been completed.

LACMTA makes recommendation for Purple Line extension contractor

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) recommended awarding a $1.636-billion contract to design and build a 3.9-mile extension of the Purple Line subway from Wilshire and Western to Wilshire and La Cienega to a joint venture composed of three construction companies.

EDA awards funds to Indiana rail project

The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6-million grant to the city of Madison, Ind., to upgrade critical railroad infrastructure to support increased commerce.

GO Transit marks West Toronto Diamond grade separation progress

GO Transit’s West Toronto Diamond (WTD) continues its progress and marked a milestone in May when the east tunnel opened to rail traffic.

LACMTA signs Regional Connector contract; awards contract for double track design

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has signed a contract with a joint venture for the construction of the Regional Connector, as well as awarded a design contract for a Metrolink double track project.

MWAA issues Notice of Recommended Award for Silver Line

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on July 2 issued a Notice of Recommended Award to Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Chantilly, Va., to design and build the rail yard and maintenance facility for Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

VIA Rail celebrates 100 years of Ocean service

VIA Rail Canada celebrated the 110th anniversary of its Ocean service July 2, which serves 26 communities between Montréal and Halifax.

UP to repair five crossings in Beaumont, Texas

Five railroad crossings will be closed within the next week in Beaumont, Texas, while Union Pacific crews make repairs; all closings are expected to last one day, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On July 3, repairs will be made at the crossing on Coburn Drive; on July 4, the crossing on Todd Street will see repairs; on July 5, the crossing on Langham Road will see repairs; on July 6, the UP crossing on Keith Road will be closed to through traffic for repairs and on July 7, the crossing on S. Major Drive will see repairs last.

 

Sen. Blumenthal plans to introduce rail safety legislation

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) plans to introduce legislation that he says will enforce and enhance rail safety.

BART’s 2015 budget emphasizes safety

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has passed a Fiscal Year 15 operating and capital budget totaling $1.56 billion that it says prioritizes safety, passenger needs, system reinvestment and on-time performance took effect July 1, 2014.

FTA calls first year of TSO a success

Two years ago, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was granted the authority to oversee the safety of all of America’s individual public transportation systems, writes Theresa McMillan, FTA deputy administrator in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fast Lane blog.

Keolis begins operations of MBTA service

Keolis Commuter Services officially began operating the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) 14 passenger rail lines on July 1, 2014, with a pledge to increase on-time performance and improve safety, cleanliness and customer service.

Goldman named president of Louisville & Indiana Railroad, succeeding Stolzman

John Goldman, vice president of the Louisville & Indiana Railroad (L&I) has been promoted to president, effective July 11, succeeding Mike Stolzman, who is joining Colo Railroad Builders in Houston, Texas.

OCTA completes Kraemer Boulevard grade separation

Kraemer Boulevard is now open to traffic as Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) puts finishing touches on a new grade separation that separates car traffic from the busy freight rail line that now travels overhead.

HART begins column work along H-1 Waiawa Interchange

Column work has begun for the section of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s (HART) elevated rail line that will cross over the H-1/H-2 Freeway merge between Waipahu and Pearl City.

Harsco secures Switzerland rail contract worth more than $100 million

Harsco Corporation received its second major railway track and infrastructure maintenance equipment award from Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) in Switzerland. The award, valued at more than $100 million, calls for 59 high-speed catenary vehicles that will be used for the construction, maintenance and repair of overhead catenary systems throughout Switzerland. Deliveries will begin in 2016 and continue through 2017.

Axion awarded fifth European contract for ties

Axion International Holdings, Inc., has received its fifth purchase order for ECOTRAX® rail ties to be shipped to Europe.

FRA issues Record of Decision for Fresno to Bakersfield HSR section

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the 114-mile Fresno to Bakersfield Section of the California high-speed train system. The ROD is the last step in the National Environmental Policy Act process and clears the way to break ground on the project.

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