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Dec
14

SIAP awards nearly $6 million to North Carolina rail projects

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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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division

Rail News Home MOW December 2017 Part 1 : Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful Part 2 : Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp. Part 3 : Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX) Part 4 : Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc. Part 5 : Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC Part 6 : Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division Part 7 : Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. Rail News: MOW

Bill Dorris, Vice President and General Manager, J-Track LLC Central Division
J-Track LLC is now in its second year of operating an office in the Midwest. Our Chicagoland operation has an office in Lisle, Illinois, with a shop and material yard in Joliet, Illinois.Our operation in the Midwest has grown since our start in early 2016. We have taken on some very nice projects to date, and continue to build our customer base and expand our reach regarding territory. Our corporate office is headquartered in College Point, New York.The NY Division of J-Track is also adding new customers to their base and new projects as well. Mitch Levine, President of J-Track, is very positive on the direction both the NY and Central Division are heading. We are starting to see some very nice opportunities being let for bid for work that will get started in the spring of next year.We continue to gain new customers and expand our reach into various parts of the country. We are currently building new rail yard expansion projects in Texas and Wisconsin for Union Pacific Railroad and CN. We are also providing our services and experienced staff to perform general maintenance repairs, track upgrades and some new construction for private industries in the Midwest.The coming 2018 construction season will open up more opportunities for us to expand our reach even further in every direction. We are also looking forward to the new infrastructure bill becoming a reality coming out of Washington, D.C., in the spring. This bill should be a terrific shot in the arm for rail contractors, suppliers and rail engineering companies alike.J-Track’s NY and Chicago divisions look forward to gaining our share of the work to be let for public and private bid opportunities in 2018. We remain well positioned within the two largest rail markets in the country and expect the coming year to be full of new projects and challenges alike.
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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc.

Rail News Home MOW December 2017 Part 1 : Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful Part 2 : Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp. Part 3 : Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX) Part 4 : Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc. Part 5 : Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC Part 6 : Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division Part 7 : Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. Rail News: MOW

Gary Kohnert, Director North American Sales, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc.
Rail-car loadings continue to trend positively in both the United States and Canada, which is terrific news for the entire rail industry. As a maintenance-of-way service contractor, Loram forecasts continued opportunities in track maintenance service work in 2018, similar to that of 2017, with additional opportunity as railroad traffic continues to increase.With an increase in carloadings comes a decrease in available track maintenance work windows. Our railroad customers require us to continue to find ways to be more efficient in our service operations. As a result, Loram continues to invest in both research and development in the design and manufacturing of highly productive equipment that can operate at the highest level of reliability.The Loram operations team then delivers on the railroads’ service expectations through pre-planning, effective communication and a dedication to hard work. As a team, Loram delivers on our customer commitment of working efficiently and safely, and as a result playing our role in the railway industry of supporting the safe operation of railroad traffic in North America.
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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC

Rail News Home MOW December 2017 Part 1 : Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful Part 2 : Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp. Part 3 : Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX) Part 4 : Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc. Part 5 : Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC Part 6 : Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division Part 7 : Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. Rail News: MOW

Ray Sipes, President, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC
Positive train control (PTC) has been a spike in a demand for signaling companies as railroads work to be fully compliant by Dec. 31, 2018. We expect that high levels of contract signal work will continue through early 2018, with a decline of work later in the year. As the signal economy slows later in the year and early in 2019, we expect a shift in signaling demand to a focus on highway grade crossing protection, wayside signaling and capacity work.At R. J. Corman, we have been building an organization that can weather the coming changes brought on by the completion of PTC. By building a turnkey solution for all things signal related, we expect to earn a larger share of a shrinking market. Our complete solution includes signal maintenance, signal design, wiring and assembling signal houses and equipment, construction, material warehousing and logistics, as well as commissioning and configuration management.Also, being one of many facets of R. J. Corman’s portfolio of services to the railroad industry gives us the capability of working projects requiring both track and signal work. One company executing complete track and signal projects minimizes inefficiencies and conflicts associated with multiple contractors. By us owning the complete solution, the client’s project is delivered cost effectively with quality and reliability.
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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc.

Rail News Home MOW December 2017 Part 1 : Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful Part 2 : Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp. Part 3 : Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX) Part 4 : Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc. Part 5 : Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC Part 6 : Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division Part 7 : Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. Rail News: MOW

Larry Laurello, President, Delta Railroad Construction Inc.
Next year looks like it is going to be a better year than 2017 for the railroad construction industry. This past year has been a mixed bag for contractors — some of us have had productive years with low-margin work, while others have sat out the price wars and have struggled to find enough work.The 2018 bidding season has now started and we are seeing more projects, both transit and freight, out for bid than this time last year. It seems the slowdown in our industry is over and we are heading in the right direction.The biggest concern with the foreseeable future is lack of skilled railroad workers available. Many people in our industry are retiring, and having enough laborers, operators and foreman will be a challenge. Recruitment from other industries is one answer to the problem, but it will take a large effort by the entire industry to replace all the knowledge that has left our industry. All this being said, I believe 2018 will be a good year for our industry.
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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX)

Rail News Home MOW December 2017 Part 1 : Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful Part 2 : Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp. Part 3 : Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX) Part 4 : Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc. Part 5 : Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC Part 6 : Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division Part 7 : Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. Rail News: MOW

Nate Bachman, Vice President Marketing and Sales, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX)
Contractors and suppliers saw a solid improvement in 2017 over 2016. For GREX, there was growth in nearly every one of the company’s product categories. GREX is expecting even better results in 2018.Although the 2018 capital plans for our railroad customers are currently being finalized, recent discussions at Railway Interchange and the Railway Tie Association conference suggest that capital budgets will be flat to slightly down from 2017 levels. We see our customers not only focused on improving operating ratios, but also committed to the projects and maintenance that promote increased carload volumes, safety and efficiency.As seen with the response to hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the ability of railroads to restore service in devastating storms is better than ever.The company continues to work on new product releases that will complement the existing product suite. Aurora Xiv™ was launched at Railway Interchange and will expand to working on Class Is, regionals, short lines and commuter railroads alike. GREX’s DumpTrain for Curves®, released this year, also positively impacted the industry by allowing railroads to unload ballast material in any track alignment configuration.As capital spending and maintenance programs become increasingly targeted, data-driven decision making becomes critical in the planning process. GREX’s inspection technology arms our customers with the most comprehensive tie and ballast data, maximizing asset life and safety.GREX is watching several key legislative items that could impact 2018: the outcome of tax reform, which is anticipated to have a broad impact on business; filling Surface Transportation Board vacancies; confirming the new federal railroad administrator; impacts associated with changes to the NAFTA agreement; and extending the Section 45G short-line tax credit.While key commodities, such as coal, have decreased from their historical highs, the resiliency of the railroads to broaden business allows contractors and suppliers to effectively support new economic initiatives.
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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp.

Rail News Home MOW December 2017 Part 1 : Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful Part 2 : Outlook 2018: Kevin Riddett, RailWorks Corp. Part 3 : Outlook 2018: Nate Bachman, Georgetown Rail Equipment Inc. (GREX) Part 4 : Outlook 2018: Larry Laurello, Delta Railroad Construction Inc. Part 5 : Outlook 2018: Ray Sipes, R.J. Corman Signaling LLC Part 6 : Outlook 2018: Bill Dorris, J-Track LLC Central Division Part 7 : Outlook 2018: Gary Kohnert, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. Rail News: MOW

Kevin Riddett, President and Chief Executive Officer, RailWorks Corp.
RailWorks is cautiously optimistic about the uptrend we’ve seen in the Class I market this year as well as in our own business. We anticipate modest, steady growth in the railroad contracting segment overall in 2018 and believe that will translate into additional growth for our business lines.Among Class I railroads, we are starting to see a preference to work with fewer qualified partners rather than spreading that business across many contractors. That approach can simplify contractor management and facilitate a closer partnership where the contractor truly operates as an extension of the railroad’s engineering department. RailWorks excels in working in close partnership with our railroad customers. We’re hopeful this more streamlined approach to outsourcing will benefit our businesses.We are continuing to see record-setting opportunities in the transit market. Our transit businesses, both in the United States and Canada, remain strong. In fact, transit investment has contributed to achieving a historic backlog — the highest in RailWorks’ history. We forecast our backlog will grow even larger in the coming year.Despite improved market conditions, the uncertainty of the market over the past few years is probably our greatest concern. RailWorks has spent the last year gearing up by conducting research and analysis to better understand our markets and organize our business lines. As a result, we think we are well-positioned and will be more responsive than ever to our customers. We will be using new technology to better manage our business and plan to offer some new technology-based services to our customers, such as a new electronic track inspection and maintenance app.Safety is not what I would call a big concern, but one that is always at the forefront of our efforts. We’ve made a number of changes in the past year that are reaping some significant improvements. It started by realigning our safety resources and providing additional support in the field. We also invested in new training programs and systems to communicate more often and directly with our frontline employees.Our intense focus will continue in 2018. We will stay focused on driving a safety culture of zero incidents and holding all of our stakeholders accountable.
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Dec
14

Outlook 2018: Railroad Contractors feel better than hopeful

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

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.

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Dec
13

First elevated section of Sound Transit East Link extension under construction

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

 

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Dec
13

First elevated section of Sound Transit East Link extension under construction

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

 

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Dec
13

First elevated section of Sound Transit East Link extension under construction

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

 

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Dec
13

WMATA identifies cause of Red Line signal problem

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

 

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Dec
13

WMATA identifies cause of Red Line signal problem

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

 

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Dec
13

WMATA identifies cause of Red Line signal problem

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

 

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Dec
13

Rail supplier news from GE, Wabtec, ABB, Strato and Advanced Polymer Coatings (Dec. 13)

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.

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Dec
13

Metrolink names Romero to board; SamTrans appoints Stone to Joint Powers Board

Rail News Home Railroading People 12/13/2017 Rail News: Railroading People
Montebello Mayor Vivian Romero and Belmont Mayor Charles StonePhoto – Romero's and Stone's Facebook accounts

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.

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Dec
13

New SJJPA video urges safety near tracks

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.

 

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Dec
13

New SJJPA video urges safety near tracks

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.

 

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Dec
13

New SJJPA video urges safety near tracks

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.

 

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Dec
13

AASHTO's Wright receives WTS' LaHood Award

Rail News Home Railroading People 12/13/2017 Rail News: Railroading People
Bud WrightPhoto – YouTube

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.

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