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May
25

Final RFP for MBTA Green Line project

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has asked for final proposals for the revived Green Line extension project from three design-build contractor teams shortlisted in February.

 

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May
25

Twin Eagle to expand Permian Rail Park

Twin Eagle Sand Logistics, LLC (Twin Eagle), a subsidiary of Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC, outlined plans to expand the Permian Rail Park near Big Springs, Texas.

Twin Eagle said the expansion of the Union Pacific-served park is to meet the strong demand of the Midland Basin. Phase 1 of the unit train capable rail park was completed in February of 2016 and comprised 33,000 feet of track for rail-to-truck frac sand trans-loading services. Phase 2 of the park includes 15,000 tons of flat storage, 7,800 feet of additional rail track and a 50-percent expansion of the transload road. Phase 3 will include the development of the rail park's 150-acre Lot 2 parcel. The new development of Lot 2 will feature 30,000 tons of rail-accessible vertical silo storage. Phase 3 of the park will break ground next month and will be completed by the first quarter of 2018.

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May
25

Metra Board approves inward-facing cameras; contracts for station, bridge work

The Metra Board of Directors approved a trio of contracts May 24 that will see inward-facing cameras installed on its system, renovations made to its Hazel Crest Station and work performed on several bridges.

 

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May
25

Twin Eagle to expand Permian Rail Park

Twin Eagle Sand Logistics, LLC (Twin Eagle), a subsidiary of Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC, outlined plans to expand the Permian Rail Park near Big Springs, Texas.

Twin Eagle said the expansion of the Union Pacific-served park is to meet the strong demand of the Midland Basin. Phase 1 of the unit train capable rail park was completed in February of 2016 and comprised 33,000 feet of track for rail-to-truck frac sand trans-loading services. Phase 2 of the park includes 15,000 tons of flat storage, 7,800 feet of additional rail track and a 50-percent expansion of the transload road. Phase 3 will include the development of the rail park's 150-acre Lot 2 parcel. The new development of Lot 2 will feature 30,000 tons of rail-accessible vertical silo storage. Phase 3 of the park will break ground next month and will be completed by the first quarter of 2018.

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May
25

Metra Board approves inward-facing cameras; contracts for station, bridge work

The Metra Board of Directors approved a trio of contracts May 24 that will see inward-facing cameras installed on its system, renovations made to its Hazel Crest Station and work performed on several bridges.

 

Continue reading
May
25

Twin Eagle to expand Permian Rail Park

Twin Eagle Sand Logistics, LLC (Twin Eagle), a subsidiary of Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC, outlined plans to expand the Permian Rail Park near Big Springs, Texas.

Twin Eagle said the expansion of the Union Pacific-served park is to meet the strong demand of the Midland Basin. Phase 1 of the unit train capable rail park was completed in February of 2016 and comprised 33,000 feet of track for rail-to-truck frac sand trans-loading services. Phase 2 of the park includes 15,000 tons of flat storage, 7,800 feet of additional rail track and a 50-percent expansion of the transload road. Phase 3 will include the development of the rail park's 150-acre Lot 2 parcel. The new development of Lot 2 will feature 30,000 tons of rail-accessible vertical silo storage. Phase 3 of the park will break ground next month and will be completed by the first quarter of 2018.

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May
25

Metra Board approves inward-facing cameras; contracts for station, bridge work

The Metra Board of Directors approved a trio of contracts May 24 that will see inward-facing cameras installed on its system, renovations made to its Hazel Crest Station and work performed on several bridges.

 

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May
24

Rail supplier news from Luminator, Strato, Arrows Up, Goldschmidt Thermit and IPS Cranes (May 24)

Rail News Home Railroading Supplier Spotlight 5/24/2017 Rail News: Railroading Supplier Spotlight
Luminator Technology Group has acquired Apollo Video Technology, a supplier of bus and passenger-rail mobile video surveillance equipment. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed in a press release. Apollo Video's flagship product, the RoadRunner™ video system, is used at more than 400 transit agencies worldwide Luminator offers passenger information solutions for the mass transit and aerospace market segments.Strato Inc. announced that its F-style knuckle has received approval from the Association of American Railroads' Coupling System and Truck Castings Committee. The letter "V" will be added to the AAR catalog number designating that the knuckle has met the M-216 test requirement of 600,000 fatigue cycles, Strato officials said in a press release. The StratoMAX product line includes E-knuckles, F-knuckles, couplers and coupler components.OmniTRAX Inc. affiliate Arrows Up LLC was issued a U.S. patent for the design, construction and usage of its Jumbo Bin bulk material shipping container. The bin was designed for shippers of frac sand and other bulk commodities to store and transport product. The Arrows Up Jumbo Bin, which holds up to 25 tons of material, eliminates the need for dust suppression equipment and decreases product shrinkage by reducing the number of product transfers needed, OmniTRAX officials said in a press release.The Goldschmidt Thermit Group has acquired measurement technology specialist P.U.T. GRAW Sp. z o.o. The move fits into Goldschmidt Thermit's plan to expand its digital and measurement strategy. "Particularly in view of the increasing digitalization of the railways, GRAW is an important addition to the group and a further important step towards the digital construction site," said Hans-Jurgen Mundinger, chief executive officer of Goldschmidt Thermit Group, in a press release.IPS Cranes Inc. on Monday appeared on the "World's Greatest!" television show, which features "unique companies, products, people and travel destinations" around the world, company officials said in a press release. A U.S.-based custom crane manufacturer, IPS Cranes offers repair and rebuild services, as well as crane rentals. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 5/24/2017

May
24

MBTA issues final RFP for Green Line light-rail extension

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 5/24/2017 Rail News: Passenger Rail
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has unveiled the final request for proposals (RFP) for the Green Line light-rail extension's design-build contract.The agency released the RFP to the three teams selected in February for a short list of contract competitors.The final request includes a budget of $1.3 billion, base scope of work and additive options, MBTA officials said in a press release. However, the additive options will be included in the project scope only if they fit into the project schedule and budget.The base scope of work calls for building seven new stations, related track and infrastructure, a vehicle maintenance facility and multi-use community path."The MBTA has been actively engaged in pre-proposal exchanges with the three teams pursuing the design-build contract and looks forward to continuing that technical concept dialogue as each of the teams develops their responses to the final RFP package," said John Dalton, who serves as program manager for the Green Line extension.In September, the three design-build teams will submit a response to the final RFP.The MBTA in March released a draft RFP for the project. The Green Line extension involves building light-rail into Somerville and Medford, Mass. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 5/24/2017

May
24

Port of Seattle OKs funds for grade crossing separation

Rail News Home Safety 5/24/2017 Rail News: Safety
The $25 million project will eliminate a chokepoint at a UP crossing.Photo – Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle Commission yesterday approved $595,000 for the South 228th Street grade separation project in Kent, Wash.

The project, which is slated to cost $25 million, will eliminate a chokepoint at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing, port officials said in a press release.

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May
24

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending May 20, 2017

AAR

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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 20, 2017.

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May
24

EPA, BNSF reach agreement on uranium mine site cleanup

Rail News Home BNSF Railway 5/24/2017 Rail News: BNSF Railway
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Monday an agreement with BNSF Railway Co. to begin cleanup at the Haystack Mines Site, a group of three abandoned uranium mines near Prewitt, N.M., and the Baca/Prewitt chapter on Navajo Nation.Work at the site is slated to begin in July and last four months, according to an EPA press release.The mines operated from 1952 to 1981, and produced 400,000 tons of uranium ore. Today, the 174-acre site is used for livestock grazing, one residence and a few nearby homes.Under the agreement, BNSF will:
• take biological and cultural assessments of the property to ensure cultural resources and sensitive species are not impacted;
• fence the property and post warning signs;
• provide temporary alternative housing to affected residents, if necessary;
• construct access roads; and
• excavate contaminated soil.During the Cold War, 30 million tons of uranium ore were mined on or adjacent to the Navajo Nation, leaving more than 500 abandoned mines. The EPA has entered into settlement agreements valued at $1.7 billion to reduce the highest risks to the Navajo people, agency officials said. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 5/24/2017

May
24

EPA, BNSF reach agreement on uranium mine site cleanup

Rail News Home BNSF Railway 5/24/2017 Rail News: BNSF Railway
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Monday an agreement with BNSF Railway Co. to begin cleanup at the Haystack Mines Site, a group of three abandoned uranium mines near Prewitt, N.M., and the Baca/Prewitt chapter on Navajo Nation.Work at the site is slated to begin in July and last four months, according to an EPA press release.The mines operated from 1952 to 1981, and produced 400,000 tons of uranium ore. Today, the 174-acre site is used for livestock grazing, one residence and a few nearby homes.Under the agreement, BNSF will:
• take biological and cultural assessments of the property to ensure cultural resources and sensitive species are not impacted;
• fence the property and post warning signs;
• provide temporary alternative housing to affected residents, if necessary;
• construct access roads; and
• excavate contaminated soil.During the Cold War, 30 million tons of uranium ore were mined on or adjacent to the Navajo Nation, leaving more than 500 abandoned mines. The EPA has entered into settlement agreements valued at $1.7 billion to reduce the highest risks to the Navajo people, agency officials said. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 5/24/2017

May
24

KCS announces speed increase in Louisiana

Rail News Home Kansas City Southern 5/24/2017 Rail News: Kansas City Southern
Kansas City Southern Railway Co. will increase train speed from 25 mph to 49 mph on 2.6 miles of track in Louisiana starting June 4, the Class I announced Monday.The speed increase will occur along track between Major Parkway and Woodman Road in New Roads, La. The maximum speed will be increased incrementally, starting with 30 mph on June 4, followed by 35 mph on June 11, 40 mph on June 18, 45 mph on June 25 and 49 mph on July 2, KCS officials said in a press release.Faster train speed on the track segment was made possible by a major track rehabilitation, they said.The railroad and Louisiana Operation Lifesaver officials reminded the community to practice safety around rail crossings and urged pedestrians to stay off railroad rights of way."Always expect a train," they said. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 5/24/2017

May
24

KCS announces speed increase in Louisiana

Rail News Home Kansas City Southern 5/24/2017 Rail News: Kansas City Southern
Kansas City Southern Railway Co. will increase train speed from 25 mph to 49 mph on 2.6 miles of track in Louisiana starting June 4, the Class I announced Monday.The speed increase will occur along track between Major Parkway and Woodman Road in New Roads, La. The maximum speed will be increased incrementally, starting with 30 mph on June 4, followed by 35 mph on June 11, 40 mph on June 18, 45 mph on June 25 and 49 mph on July 2, KCS officials said in a press release.Faster train speed on the track segment was made possible by a major track rehabilitation, they said.The railroad and Louisiana Operation Lifesaver officials reminded the community to practice safety around rail crossings and urged pedestrians to stay off railroad rights of way."Always expect a train," they said. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 5/24/2017

May
24

Cuomo unveils 'aggressive action plan' for Penn Station

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 5/24/2017 Rail News: Passenger Rail
In a speech yesterday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled his action plan for Penn Station.Photo – Gov. Cuomo's Flickr account

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo yesterday unveiled what he called an "aggressive action plan" to fix Penn Station, as well as related transit problems.

The governor's proposal included the creation of a task force to address "short- and long-term challenges" at Penn Station, which has been the site of two recent derailments because of track disrepair.

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May
24

Broward County panel OKs Port Everglades expansion

Rail News Home Intermodal 5/24/2017 Rail News: Intermodal
The project involves lengthening the deepwater turn-around area for cargo ships from 900 feet to 2,400 feet.Photo – porteverglades.net

Port Everglades yesterday received approval from the Broward County Board of Commissioners to proceed with a $437.5 million project that will add new berths for larger cargo ships and install rail infrastructure for new Super Post-Panamax cranes.

Known as the Southport Turning Notch Extension, the project will lengthen the deepwater turn-around area for cargo ships from 900 feet to 2,400 feet. The expansion will allow for up to five new cargo berths, according to a press release issued by the Broward County, Fla., port.

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May
24

APTA decries Trump's budget cuts to transit programs

Rail News Home Federal Legislation & Regulation 5/24/2017 Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation
President Donald TrumpPhoto – Twitter

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) leaders expressed disappointment yesterday that President Donald Trump's budget reaffirmed the administration's plan to phase out the Capital Improvement Grants (CIG) and eliminate the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant programs.

Trump's fiscal-year 2018 budget, unveiled yesterday, reaffirmed positions taken in an earlier outline of the budget that called for phasing out CIG and ending the TIGER grant program. APTA officials had hoped the administration would rethink those proposals by the time the actual budget was sent to Congress.

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May
24

Port of Seattle grade separation receives funds

A planned grade separation that will improve traffic flow and safety received funding from the Port of Seattle Commission on May 23.

 

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May
24

N.Y. Gov. Cuomo outlines Penn Station action plan

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined an action plan to help New York transit riders deal with the impending work Amtrak is planning at Penn Station during the summer.

The Amtrak proposed repairs would reduce the number of trains at Penn Station by approximately 20 percent, leaving commuters to find transportation alternatives that Gov. Cuomo anticipates will overburden the region's subway system, roads and bridges.

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