NCDOT awarded $26.5 million to alleviate passenger rail congestion

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $26.5 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to improve reliability and reduce delays on Amtrak service in eastern North Carolina. The resulting improvements are centered in the area between Rocky Mount, N.C. and Petersburg, Va., and will improve service for both the Amtrak Carolinian line, which runs between New York City and Charlotte, N.C., and the Amtrak long distance trains that run between New York City and Florida.

VTrans plans railyard project in Burlington, Vermont

The city of Burlington, Vt., and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is planning a new railyard project that will link Pine and Battery streets through a new urban street grid, creating a multi-modal network of rail, truck, car, transit, bike and pedestrian connections to access Burlington’s southern waterfront and railyard.

Wisconsin awards $12 million in freight rail grants

The state of Wisconsin awarded $11,955,358 that will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of overall efforts to support job growth and Wisconsin’s economy.

California HSR section receives approval from feds

In a major step forward for California high-speed rail, the Federal Railroad Administration issued a Record of Decision that approved the alignment from Merced to Fresno, allowing construction to begin next year.

CDOT exploring technology for possible I-70 HSR plan

As part of its Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor Advanced Guideway System (AGS) Feasibility Study, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT’s) Division of Transit and Rail is issuing a Request for Statements of Technology Information.

Massachusetts rail network report shows progress

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray released a progress report titled “Transforming the Rail Network for Economic and Community Development.”

GCRTA Cedar-University Station groundbreaking ceremony held

The Greater Cleveland and Regional Transit Authority on Wednesday, September 19, broke ground for a new, fully accessible transit facility near Case Western Reserve University that will serve as one of Cleveland’s busiest transit centers, serving the RTA Red Line train and Circle Link shuttle buses.

USDOT awards more than $74 million for development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor in Virginia

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $74.8 million to the Commonwealth of Virginia to continue development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. The funding will help improve passenger and freight rail service between Virginia and Washington, D.C., and reduce delays on the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) commuter service.

CSX named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index for second consecutive year

CSX Corporation was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America for the second consecutive year and was the only U.S. railroad listed in 2012.

Anacostia Rail Holdings makes key management changes

Anacostia Rail Holdings said that John Secor is retiring as president of the Louisville and Indiana Railroad at the end of October 2012. Succeeding Secor is Michael Stolzman, currently president of Pacific Harbor Line. Otis Cliatt, vice president of PHL, will be promoted to president.

AECOM appoints Thomas Peck as SVP, CIO

AECOM Technology Corporation has appointed Thomas Peck as senior vice president and chief information officer.

New COO readies the X Train

Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc., has appointed Penny Stegeman to chief operations officer, passenger services, to the Las Vegas X Train team.

DePallo named Metrolink CEO

The Metrolink Board of Directors appointed Michael P. DePallo, a veteran transit leader with more than 30 years of experience, as chief executive officer of the Southern California commuter rail service.

Port Mac rail project progresses with permit

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a Department of the Army permit to the Alaska Railroad Corporation to construct the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension project.

Minnesota Southwest light rail receives state grant

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released $47.5 million in competitive business development grants, including $2 million for the Southwest Light Rail Transit project.

NYCT names chief transportation officer

New York City Transit appointed Herbert Lambert, who has more than 30 years of service in Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit’s Department of Subways, to the position of chief transportation officer, rapid transit operations.

Colo Railroad Builders names VP Business Development

Colo Railroad Builders has appointed Wade Hoffmann as vice president of business development.

Indiana Gateway Project receives $71.3 million in federal funds

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $71.3 million to Indiana to help alleviate congestion in one of the region’s most delay-prone rail corridors. The Indiana Gateway Project will both relieve congestion and support the development of higher performing intercity passenger rail service in the Midwest.

VIA Rail’s Belleville Station officially open

As part of the ongoing modernization of VIA Rail Canada, Daryl Kramp, member of Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings on behalf of the Honorable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), officially opened the new Belleville train station, overhead walkway and island platform in Ontario.

NTSB closes five outstanding safety recommendations on WMATA

The National Transportation Safety Board closed five of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s outstanding safety recommendations.

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