Railroad News

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has begun major construction activity for Construction Package 4, a 22-mile rail segment in Kern County.

This week, crews began foundation work for a bridge that will carry high-speed trains over Garces Highway. Drill rigs and heavy machinery have been placed at the site, where workers have begun drilling shafts 80 feet into the ground, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has voted to designate federal funding to conduct an in-depth financial, engineering and environmental study of a proposed passenger rail expansion project that would connect Boston, Mass., to Manchester.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this week proposed tripling state funding for New Jersey Transit as part of his $37.4 billion budget plan for fiscal-year 2019.

Under the governor's proposed budget, NJ Transit would receive an additional $242 million to support rail and bus operations for a total of $383 million, NJ.com reported. The funds also would help fill gaps in staffing.

Union Pacific (UP) has announced plans to invest $85 million in Wyoming's transportation infrastructure in 2018.

Fatalities caused by railroad trespassing soared 22.3 percent and deaths at grade crossings climbed 7.4 percent in 2017 over the previous year, Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) announced yesterday.

Citing recently released Federal Railroad Administration statistics, OLI said that 575 people died and another 505 were injured in railroad trespassing incidents in 2017. Another 274 people died in collisions at grade crossings, while another 807 were injured last year.

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Senior Associate Editor

As many as two-thirds of the 29 commuter railroads required to implement positive train control (PTC) might not meet the federally mandated Dec. 31 deadline or qualify for an extension, according to a new U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

By Dan Perley 

Metrolink yesterday rolled out a new blog to share news and information with riders and stakeholders.

A digital extension of the railroad's on-train newsletter, the "Metrolink Matters" blog will feature weekly articles ranging from safety reminders to service updates.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will host a workshop in Nags Head next month on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — also known as drones — for commercial and government operators

The April 19 workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about how emerging UAS technology can benefit their operations, NCDOT officials said in a press release.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled plans for a real-time service feature on digital advertising screens throughout its rail system.

A passenger information bar will appear across the bottom of digital screens installed at rail stations and remain onscreen even as ads play. The bar will provide arrival times for upcoming trains, as well as real-time information on service delays and disruptions, CTA officials said in a press release.

Union Pacific Railroad will spend $103.6 million this year to maintain track and bridges in Illinois.

The Class I's 2018 capital expenditures program includes $40.8 million to maintain track and $23.5 million to maintain bridges in the state, according to a UP press release.

Union Pacific Railroad will spend $103.6 million this year to maintain track and bridges in Illinois.

The Class I's 2018 capital expenditures program includes $40.8 million to maintain track and $23.5 million to maintain bridges in the state, according to a UP press release.

The Réseau de transport métropolitain (RTM) in Quebec detailed a five-year plan to improve service reliability along all rail lines and includes investments in infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, maintenance, as well as an enhanced winter operation plan.

RTM says that in addition to the CA$450 million (US$344.7 million) program, it would implement a service guarantee program that will offer user compensation options in the form of discounts or free train tickets; the details of which will be revealed later.

Union Pacific (UP) has announced it will support $103.6 million in Illinois' transportation infrastructure work this year.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is collaborating with the city of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on the complete replacement of the Woodland Avenue bridge.

Protran Technology, a division of Harsco Rail, has tapped Kyley Holmstrom to serve as the company's director of sales.

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) yesterday released its fiscal-year 2019 proposed budget, which includes continued investments in the MAX light-rail system.

The proposal details $710.1 million for the agency's overall operating expenses, along with $274.2 million for TriMet's capital improvement program.

The Port of Stockton announced yesterday that 2017 was a record breaker, with the port logging a 21 percent increase in cargo volume and a 10 percent increase in vessel calls over 2016.

"In 2017 we grew our cargo business to record levels and our tenant base is at an all-time high," said Richard Aschieris, director of the California port, in a press release.