Skip to main content
Mar
01

BNSF seeks to join lawsuit over Washington state denial of coal terminal permit

BNSF Railway Co. has requested to join Lighthouse Resources' lawsuit against Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and key members of his administration over permit denials for Millennium Bulk Terminals' proposed Longview coal terminal.

BNSF's complaint contends that Washington state officials unduly violated interstate commerce, a violation of the U.S. Constitution's dormant commerce clause and the ICC Termination Act (ICCTA) by using supposed rail impacts to deny permits for Millennium Bulk Terminals.

Continue reading
Mar
01

BNSF seeks to join lawsuit over Washington state denial of coal terminal permit

BNSF Railway Co. has requested to join Lighthouse Resources' lawsuit against Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and key members of his administration over permit denials for Millennium Bulk Terminals' proposed Longview coal terminal.

BNSF's complaint contends that Washington state officials unduly violated interstate commerce, a violation of the U.S. Constitution's dormant commerce clause and the ICC Termination Act (ICCTA) by using supposed rail impacts to deny permits for Millennium Bulk Terminals.

Continue reading
Mar
01

CSX targets 60 percent operating ratio by 2020

CSX will aim for a 60 percent operating ratio by 2020 and revenue growth at a compound annual rate of 4 percent by 2019-20, the company announced today at its annual investor and analyst conference in New York City.

At the conference, CSX officials were expected to outline plans to build on the scheduled railroading model, increase efficiency, control costs and grow the business.

Continue reading
Mar
01

CSX targets 60 percent operating ratio by 2020

CSX will aim for a 60 percent operating ratio by 2020 and revenue growth at a compound annual rate of 4 percent by 2019-20, the company announced today at its annual investor and analyst conference in New York City.

At the conference, CSX officials were expected to outline plans to build on the scheduled railroading model, increase efficiency, control costs and grow the business.

Continue reading
Feb
28

Charlotte transit agency cuts ribbon for Blue Line light-rail extension

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 2/28/2018 Rail News: Passenger Rail
The project will open to the public March 16.Photo – CATS' Twitter account

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) earlier this week held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its soon-to-open Blue Line light-rail extension.

The event's attendees included CATS Chief Executive Officer John Lewis, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and University of North Carolina at Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois, according to CATS' Twitter account.

Continue reading
Feb
28

Metrolinx to launch grocery pickup at GO train stations

Metrolinx this spring will roll out a "click-and-collect" grocery shopping service at GO Transit commuter-rail stations — marking the first time the service will be offered at transit stations in Canada.

The Toronto-area agency is working with Loblaw Cos. Ltd. to establish the service, which enables riders to shop online and pick up groceries when they arrive at their GO station.

Continue reading
Feb
28

HNTB adds Hunter to rail and transit team

HNTB Corporation has brought on Edmond Hunter, CCM, as a senior transit and rail project manager.

 

Continue reading
Feb
28

GAO: More than half of commuter railroads at risk of missing PTC deadline

A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found as many as two-thirds of commuter railroads required to install positive train control (PTC) by the end of the year have not allocated enough time to accomplish implementation or qualify for an extension.

 

Continue reading
Feb
28

First train leaves Bloom Lake Iron Ore Mine

Rail News Home Short Lines & Regionals 2/28/2018 Rail News: Short Lines & Regionals
The first loaded train left the reopened Bloom Lake Iron Ore Mine last week.Photo – Quebec Iron Ore Inc.

Quebec Iron Ore Inc. (QIO) announced last week that the first train loaded with 16,500 metric tons of high-grade 66 percent Fe iron concentrate left the Bloom Lake Iron Ore Mine near Fermont, Quebec.

The first train represents a "tangible step toward realizing Bloom Lake's potential to become a major supplier of high quality iron ore to global markets," QIO officials said in a press release. QIO is a subsidiary of Champion Iron Ltd.

Continue reading
Feb
28

BNSF eyes $110M Nebraska investment in 2018

BNSF Railway Company plans to invest $110 million in its Nebraska network, where it moves nearly 2 million carloads of freight annually.

 

Continue reading
Feb
28

Dewberry to serve as LIRR double track project lead designer

Dewberry will serve as the lead designer on a combination design-bid-build and design-build team for the L.K. Comstock & Company, Inc.'s $66 million installation of a second track for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

 

Continue reading
Feb
28

NYSDOT grant awarded to rail siding project on NS line

Rail News Home Shippers 2/28/2018 Rail News: Shippers
Officials toured Hoober Feeds in Central Bridge following a $200,000 state grant announcement. From left, Town of Schoharie Supervisor Chris Tague, State Sen. James Seward, Hoober Feeds Partner-Owner Tom Nauman.Photo – nysenate.gov

A rail siding project along a Norfolk Southern Railway line in Central Bridge, New York, has qualified for a $200,000 grant through the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

The project calls for installing rail siding along the NS line to allow Hoober Feeds to receive ingredients by rail. The increase in shipments will enable Hoober Feeds to expand its operations, according to a press release issued by New York State Sen. James Seward.

Continue reading
Feb
28

Metro-North ready to begin three-year track project

Metro-North Railroad will launch an extensive three-year project to transform its White Plains station. The railroad said this work will improve the station's safety, appearance, cleanliness and accessibility.

 

Continue reading
Feb
28

Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 24, 2018

​​

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 24, 2018.

Continue reading
Feb
28

Dewberry inks contract to support LIRR second-track expansion

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 2/28/2018 Rail News: Passenger Rail
The firm's portion of the project includes major upgrades to two stations.Photo – Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Dewberry has obtained a design-build contract for MTA Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) second track expansion project on the Ronkonkoma Branch.

The firm will serve as the lead designer on L.K. Comstock & Co. Inc.'s design-bid-build and design-build team for the project. The design-build portion of the project includes major updates to two stations.

Continue reading
Feb
28

BNSF to spend $110 million on Nebraska maintenance projects

Rail News Home BNSF Railway 2/28/2018 Rail News: BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway Co. will spend $110 million this year on maintenance projects in Nebraska, the Class I announced yesterday.BNSF's 2018 capital expenditure plan in the state will focus primarily on replacing and upgrading rail, ties and ballast, the company said in a press release.BNSF moves nearly 2 million carloads of freight in Nebraska each year. Over the past five years, the railroad has spent about $900 million to expand and maintain its network in the state.This year's Nebraska maintenance program includes more than 1,000 miles of track surfacing or undercutting, as well as the replacement of about 60 miles of rail and close to 90,000 ties."BNSF helps Nebraska farmers reach new markets by providing a vital transportation link for the state's corn, wheat and other agricultural products as well as the state's emerging ethanol industry," said Zak Andersen, vice president, corporate relations.The 2018 planned capital investments in Nebraska are part of BNSF's $3.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced last month.

Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

More News from 2/28/2018


Feb
28

BNSF to spend $110 million on Nebraska maintenance projects

Rail News Home BNSF Railway 2/28/2018 Rail News: BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway Co. will spend $110 million this year on maintenance projects in Nebraska, the Class I announced yesterday.BNSF's 2018 capital expenditure plan in the state will focus primarily on replacing and upgrading rail, ties and ballast, the company said in a press release.BNSF moves nearly 2 million carloads of freight in Nebraska each year. Over the past five years, the railroad has spent about $900 million to expand and maintain its network in the state.This year's Nebraska maintenance program includes more than 1,000 miles of track surfacing or undercutting, as well as the replacement of about 60 miles of rail and close to 90,000 ties."BNSF helps Nebraska farmers reach new markets by providing a vital transportation link for the state's corn, wheat and other agricultural products as well as the state's emerging ethanol industry," said Zak Andersen, vice president, corporate relations.The 2018 planned capital investments in Nebraska are part of BNSF's $3.3 billion network-wide capital expenditure program announced last month.

Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

More News from 2/28/2018


Feb
28

FRA report details drone use on international railroads

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a report on the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at railroads around the world.

Commonly known as drones, UAS can be deployed for inspecting track, assessing damage after natural disasters and a host of other applications.

Continue reading
Feb
28

Indiana lawmakers consider repeal of light-rail ban

Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would roll back a state law that prevents certain counties from purchasing, leasing, acquiring, constructing or operating a light-rail project.

Introduced by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis), House Bill 1080 would repeal the current state law that prevents the Indianapolis area from exploring the option of pursuing light-rail as a mass transit option.

Continue reading
Feb
27

RPA names Colucci VP resource development

Rail News Home Railroading People 2/27/2018 Rail News: Railroading People
The Rail Passengers Association (RPA) has hired Mark Colucci to serve as vice president for resource development. Colucci joins RPA after spending more than a decade in business development and fundraising at the American Hospital Association. In his new role, Colucci will create, direct and execute resource development and fundraising activities to help RPA expand funding and grant support from corporate, foundation and major individual donors."Mark is a seasoned, experienced professional with a strong track record and a commitment to our mission here at the association," said RPA President Jim Mathews in a press release. At RPA, Colucci also will work on initiatives such as the #Rally4Trains campaign held last year to advocate on behalf of Amtrak's national network.His professional experience includes stints at media organizations such as Reed Business brands and MultiChannel News.

Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

More News from 2/27/2018