Railroad News

CSX violated federal law by implementing a physical abilities battery that discriminates against women, according to a lawsuit field by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last week.

The EEOC alleges that since at least 2008, CSX has conducted isokinetic strength testing as a requirement for workers to be selected for various jobs. Known as the IPCS Biodex, the strength test causes a discriminatory impact on women seeking jobs as conductors, material handlers/clerks, and a number of other job categories, the EEOC said in a press release.

CSX violated federal law by implementing a physical abilities battery that discriminates against women, according to a lawsuit field by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last week.

The EEOC alleges that since at least 2008, CSX has conducted isokinetic strength testing as a requirement for workers to be selected for various jobs. Known as the IPCS Biodex, the strength test causes a discriminatory impact on women seeking jobs as conductors, material handlers/clerks, and a number of other job categories, the EEOC said in a press release.

Caltrain's board has awarded a $32 million contract to Proven Management Inc. for the South San Francisco Station improvement project.

The project involves track and signal work, along with the installation of a new 700-foot center boarding platform. The work also will provide a connection to a new pedestrian underpass from the platform to Grand Avenue/Poletti Drive.

Rail specific and rail related projects across six states have been selected to receive grants as part of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) program.

Rail specific and rail related projects across six states have been selected to receive grants as part of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) program.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is using its increase in capital spending on system-wide upgrades and repairs. Following a 40-percent increase from last year, MBTA says it's kicking its infrastructure improvements into high gear.

"We're fully committed to our goal of increased investments in our system's existing infrastructure by putting funds toward maintenance and repairs, resulting in better service for our customers," said interim MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is using its increase in capital spending on system-wide upgrades and repairs. Following a 40-percent increase from last year, MBTA says it's kicking its infrastructure improvements into high gear.

"We're fully committed to our goal of increased investments in our system's existing infrastructure by putting funds toward maintenance and repairs, resulting in better service for our customers," said interim MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.

Caltrain awarded a $32.1-million contract to Proven Management Inc. for the South San Francisco Station Improvement Project.

Caltrain's Board of Directors approved the contract at its August meeting. The project's construction is slated to begin in November and is expected to be completed by summer 2019.

Caltrain awarded a $32.1-million contract to Proven Management Inc. for the South San Francisco Station Improvement Project.

Caltrain's Board of Directors approved the contract at its August meeting. The project's construction is slated to begin in November and is expected to be completed by summer 2019.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao late last week informed Congress that the U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed nearly $79 million in grants for freight-related rail, port and roadway infrastructure projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

The notification to Congress, sent Aug. 2, initiates a 60-day period in which Congress could vote to disapprove the proposed projects if it finds a project objectionable, according to a report by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Myat Ohn, 34

Job description: Ohn serves as the deputy segment lead for the the San Jose-Merced section of California’s high-speed rail project. In her role, she manages the project’s scope, schedule, budget and sub-consultants. Ohn also designs the track plan and profile as track and guideway lead for the section. In addition, she coordinates with other rail agencies, cities, counties and stakeholders.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, University of California-Berkeley

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) joined representatives of Omaha Track Inc. and local railroads to tour the company's facilities in Omaha this week.

Omaha Track President and Owner Terry Peterson led the tour, which included visits to the new corporate office and the Omaha Track Equipment facility, where maintenance-of-way equipment is custom built, fabricated and maintained.

Canadian Pacific yesterday released its 2016 corporate sustainability report.

The document outlines the railroad's commitment to "long-term value creation and sustainable operations," CP officials said in a press release.

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure Inc. on Wednesday announced a new seven-year transloading agreement with an exploration and production operator in the Sooner Trend Anadarko Basin Canadian and Kingfisher Counties (STACK) oil play in Oklahoma.

Under the agreement, the operator will provide minimum quarterly proppant volumes through a new facility that Solaris is developing in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure Inc. on Wednesday announced a new seven-year transloading agreement with an exploration and production operator in the Sooner Trend Anadarko Basin Canadian and Kingfisher Counties (STACK) oil play in Oklahoma.

Under the agreement, the operator will provide minimum quarterly proppant volumes through a new facility that Solaris is developing in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

Canadian Pacific yesterday released its 2016 corporate sustainability report.

The document outlines the railroad's commitment to "long-term value creation and sustainable operations," CP officials said in a press release.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has launched BuildHSR.com, a new website that provides updates about the 119 miles of construction underway in the state's Central Valley.

The site will be updated regularly with road and construction alerts, photos, videos construction milestones and events, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB) yesterday recommended that Transport Canada incorporate predictive data on rail surface conditions to help improve track inspections.

The board's recommendation was part of its investigation into the March 2015 derailment and fire involving a CN freight train near Gogama, Ontario, TSB officials said in a press release.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will award a $7.89 million grant to help fund a railroad bridge repair project in Maine, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced yesterday.

The grant is being awarded under the USDOT grant program known as Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies, or FASTLANE. The $7.89 million in funding will be provided to the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) for a project to repair and upgrade 22 rail bridges on the Madawaska Subdivision of the Maine Northern Railway, according to a press release issued by Collins' office.