Railroad News

President Donald Trump has nominated CSX Corp. Vice President Howard "Skip" Elliott to serve as administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

A 40-year veteran of the U.S. freight-rail industry, Elliott is group vice president of public safety, health, environment and security for CSX. His responsibilities cover hazardous materials transportation safety, homeland security, railroad policing, crisis management, environmental compliance and operations, occupational health management, and continuity of business operations.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) late last week recommended shrinking the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) board to 12 members from 16.

Under NVTC's proposal, three members would represent each of WMATA's three jurisdictions, along with three individuals to represent the federal government.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) late last week appointed Thomas Post director of engineering.

In the role, Post will ensure that all engineering elements of the state's high-speed rail program are delivered within scope, quality standards, budget and schedule, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

The outlook for rail cars has "brightened considerably" due to strong gains in certain commodity groups in the first half of 2017, according to Economic Planning Associates Inc.'s (EPA) latest report.

Strong traffic is certain to lead to increased investments — including in rolling stock — by the railroads, the report stated.

MTA Metro-North Railroad today will begin a round of infrastructure improvements on the Port Jervis Line.

Crews will perform structural repairs at the Moodna and Woodbury viaducts, as well as remove a defunct overhead bridge at Day Road in Campbell Hall, New York.

Reiterating the importance of rail to the region, the government of Canada named a negotiator and said it is willing to explore interim funding options or potential sale of the Hudson Bay Rail Line in order to see service restored.

Canada Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr issued a release late last week confirming "Canada's commitment to the residents of northern Manitoba and to the restoration of rail service to Churchill, Manitoba."

Reiterating the importance of rail to the region, the government of Canada named a negotiator and said it is willing to explore interim funding options or potential sale of the Hudson Bay Rail Line in order to see service restored.

Canada Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr issued a release late last week confirming "Canada's commitment to the residents of northern Manitoba and to the restoration of rail service to Churchill, Manitoba."

Reiterating the importance of rail to the region, the government of Canada named a negotiator and said it is willing to explore interim funding options or potential sale of the Hudson Bay Rail Line in order to see service restored.

Canada Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr issued a release late last week confirming "Canada's commitment to the residents of northern Manitoba and to the restoration of rail service to Churchill, Manitoba."

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provided an update on service improvements that includes better on-time performance and fewer unscheduled delays.

WMATA credits the progress on new railcars, improved maintenance programs and scheduled enhancements, all positive trends it says show the passenger rail providers is meeting its commitment to move its system "back to good."

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provided an update on service improvements that includes better on-time performance and fewer unscheduled delays.

WMATA credits the progress on new railcars, improved maintenance programs and scheduled enhancements, all positive trends it says show the passenger rail providers is meeting its commitment to move its system "back to good."

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provided an update on service improvements that includes better on-time performance and fewer unscheduled delays.

WMATA credits the progress on new railcars, improved maintenance programs and scheduled enhancements, all positive trends it says show the passenger rail providers is meeting its commitment to move its system "back to good."

The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for teams to submit their bids to design, build and finance GO Transit station improvements on the Stouffville GO Corridor for the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

The three teams invited to bid include EllisDon Transit Infrastructure, Kenaidan Obayashi Transit Partners and Kiewit-Bird Joint Venture.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for teams to submit their bids to design, build and finance GO Transit station improvements on the Stouffville GO Corridor for the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

The three teams invited to bid include EllisDon Transit Infrastructure, Kenaidan Obayashi Transit Partners and Kiewit-Bird Joint Venture.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for teams to submit their bids to design, build and finance GO Transit station improvements on the Stouffville GO Corridor for the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.

The three teams invited to bid include EllisDon Transit Infrastructure, Kenaidan Obayashi Transit Partners and Kiewit-Bird Joint Venture.

The new Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit 53 Street R Station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn opened ahead of schedule.

"We got the job done quickly and efficiently. Our teams have worked day and night to complete work on this extensively renovated station in just a little over five months," said MTA managing director Ronnie Hakim.

The new Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit 53 Street R Station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn opened ahead of schedule.

"We got the job done quickly and efficiently. Our teams have worked day and night to complete work on this extensively renovated station in just a little over five months," said MTA managing director Ronnie Hakim.