Railroad News

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) yesterday announced the availability of $500 million in discretionary grant funding through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 set aside $500 million for National Infrastructure Investments, also known as TIGER grants, according to a USDOT press release. As with previous TIGER rounds, funds will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that have a significant impact on the United States, a metropolitan area or a region.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crews will conduct critical work to advance the LIRR's Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track Project during the weekends of Sept. 9-10 and 16-17.

The Double Track Project is a $387-million infrastructure project, funded over two capital programs that will add a second track to the 18-mile stretch from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma by the end of 2018. The purpose of the project is to improve train service by allowing for half-hourly, off-peak service in both directions, increased reverse peak service and greater flexibility to minimize the impact of service disruptions along the branch.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crews will conduct critical work to advance the LIRR's Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track Project during the weekends of Sept. 9-10 and 16-17.

The Double Track Project is a $387-million infrastructure project, funded over two capital programs that will add a second track to the 18-mile stretch from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma by the end of 2018. The purpose of the project is to improve train service by allowing for half-hourly, off-peak service in both directions, increased reverse peak service and greater flexibility to minimize the impact of service disruptions along the branch.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crews will conduct critical work to advance the LIRR's Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track Project during the weekends of Sept. 9-10 and 16-17.

The Double Track Project is a $387-million infrastructure project, funded over two capital programs that will add a second track to the 18-mile stretch from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma by the end of 2018. The purpose of the project is to improve train service by allowing for half-hourly, off-peak service in both directions, increased reverse peak service and greater flexibility to minimize the impact of service disruptions along the branch.

A Colorado commission is exploring plans for a commuter rail line connecting cities along the state's Front Range.

A Colorado commission is exploring plans for a commuter rail line connecting cities along the state's Front Range.

A Colorado commission is exploring plans for a commuter rail line connecting cities along the state's Front Range.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) rail system and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provide more than $600 million each year to Virginia's general fund, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) announced yesterday.

The figure comes from a new report that evaluated the economic value of the two rail systems.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) today will begin testing trains along the Berryessa Extension running from Fremont to San Jose, California.

The first trains — which won't carry riders yet — will be used to test communication systems, tracks and software. This is known as the "static testing phase" and is a key step before opening the extension for passenger service, according to a press release issued by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

Union Pacific credits teamwork and planning for the successful replacement of the 100,000-pound, five-track Deval diamond in a little over 48 hours.

Union Pacific says about 90 employees worked in 12-hour shifts through late-night hours and constant rain to replace the Deval diamond in Des Plaines, Ill., where three of UP's Harvard Subdivision tracks cross two Milwaukee Subdivision tracks. Crews used five track-hoes and four end-loaders to complete the $2-million task.

Union Pacific credits teamwork and planning for the successful replacement of the 100,000-pound, five-track Deval diamond in a little over 48 hours.

Union Pacific says about 90 employees worked in 12-hour shifts through late-night hours and constant rain to replace the Deval diamond in Des Plaines, Ill., where three of UP's Harvard Subdivision tracks cross two Milwaukee Subdivision tracks. Crews used five track-hoes and four end-loaders to complete the $2-million task.

Union Pacific credits teamwork and planning for the successful replacement of the 100,000-pound, five-track Deval diamond in a little over 48 hours.

Union Pacific says about 90 employees worked in 12-hour shifts through late-night hours and constant rain to replace the Deval diamond in Des Plaines, Ill., where three of UP's Harvard Subdivision tracks cross two Milwaukee Subdivision tracks. Crews used five track-hoes and four end-loaders to complete the $2-million task.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and CEO Keith Parker will step down after nearly five years of service.

Led by MARTA Chairman Robbie Ashe, the board will vote to approve an interim general manager in an upcoming session and will launch a national search for a permanent chief executive.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and CEO Keith Parker will step down after nearly five years of service.

Led by MARTA Chairman Robbie Ashe, the board will vote to approve an interim general manager in an upcoming session and will launch a national search for a permanent chief executive.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and CEO Keith Parker will step down after nearly five years of service.

Led by MARTA Chairman Robbie Ashe, the board will vote to approve an interim general manager in an upcoming session and will launch a national search for a permanent chief executive.

Amtrak is preparing to equip 310 locomotives with positive train control (PTC) technology and comply with the federal deadline by Dec. 31, 2018.

The equipment will be installed on Amtrak's diesel locomotives that operate primarily on the national Amtrak network and state-sponsored routes in the East and Midwest, the railroad announced in a press release.

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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending September 2, 2017, as well as volumes for August 2017, which was the best month in history for intermodal traffic. 

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker yesterday announced that he will step down from his agency post to accept a new job as president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia.

Parker will move on after serving as MARTA's leader for nearly five years.