Railroad News

Twelve North Carolina freight projects have received nearly $6 million in funding through the Short Line Infrastructure Assistance Program (SIAP), the North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced.

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A year ago, railroad contractors were looking ahead to 2017 with the requisite cautious optimism and a modicum of hope. Optimistic that the industry would be entering a less onerous regulatory era. And slightly hopeful that business would pick up.

Sound Transit has announced the start of construction on the first elevated section of the East Link extension.

Sound Transit has announced the start of construction on the first elevated section of the East Link extension.

Sound Transit has announced the start of construction on the first elevated section of the East Link extension.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has identified a communications cable in need of replacement along a segment of its Red Line.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has identified a communications cable in need of replacement along a segment of its Red Line.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has identified a communications cable in need of replacement along a segment of its Red Line.

GE Transportation has agreed to deploy its Trip Optimizer train control system on Kazakhstan Railways Freight Transportation's fleet of TE33A Evolution Series locomotives. The system analyzes routing and cargo data, and calculates optimum speed and fuel consumption profiles in real time. The agreement comes after GE and Kazakhstan Railways signed a memorandum of understanding in June to explore the use of digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption, optimize power distribution, enhance operational safety and improve fleet utilization. More than 700 new and modernized locomotives in Kazakhstan are powered by GE engines, company officials said in a press release.

Wabtec Corp. has signed a $5 million contract to design, install, test and commission a yard train control system for Brazilian freight railroad RUMO. Under the agreement, Wabtec will provide its train management and dispatching system associated with wayside signaling interlocking, training and systems integration. Installation is slated to be completed by 2018's end. The system will help boost safety and efficiency at a port in Santos, Sao Paulo, Wabtec officials said in a press release. In addition, the initiative will enable the port to prepare for future technology upgrades and to integrate with other railroads.

Metrolink and the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) announced new board appointments this week.

Metrolink announced Vivian Romero has joined its board. Romero serves as mayor of Montebello, California, which is located on Metrolink's Riverside Line. She was appointed to Metrolink's board by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Eric Garcetti, who also serves as mayor of Los Angeles.

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the managing agency for the Amtrak San Joaquins service, has created a new video intended to help boost safety around railroad tracks and crossings.

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the managing agency for the Amtrak San Joaquins service, has created a new video intended to help boost safety around railroad tracks and crossings.

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), the managing agency for the Amtrak San Joaquins service, has created a new video intended to help boost safety around railroad tracks and crossings.

The District of Columbia Chapter of WTS International last week gave its Secretary Ray LaHood Award to Bud Wright, the executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Named after former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the award honors someone who is an outstanding role model and advocate for women in transportation.