Railroad News

Metra in June will stop selling tickets on its website in an effort to save money.

Rolled out in September 2009, the railroad's Ticket-by-Internet program allows riders to buy monthly passes and 10-ride tickets on Metra's website. The program also allows passengers to set up recurring orders to receive tickets on a monthly schedule.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has halted all work related to the Center City Connector streetcar project pending an independent review of its proposed cost.

Last week, Durkan called for an independent technical review of the proposed costs of the project. In conducting a preliminary assessment, it was discovered that the project could face a "significant capital shortfall," according to a press release issued by Durkan's office. The release didn't state who or what organization conducted the assessment.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) shared details of its new "Local Trax" matching grant program, which will make at least $125 million available for high-priority railroad safety projects on local roads statewide.

The funds available through Local Trax will aid Indiana cities, towns and counties interested in pursuing high-priority railroad grade separations, crossing closures and other safety enhancements at railroad intersections with local roads. The initiative requires local governments to provide 20 percent of funding for land acquisition and construction with the state providing the remaining 80 percent.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) shared details of its new "Local Trax" matching grant program, which will make at least $125 million available for high-priority railroad safety projects on local roads statewide.

The funds available through Local Trax will aid Indiana cities, towns and counties interested in pursuing high-priority railroad grade separations, crossing closures and other safety enhancements at railroad intersections with local roads. The initiative requires local governments to provide 20 percent of funding for land acquisition and construction with the state providing the remaining 80 percent.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's (SCVTA) Board of Directors is set to vote at its April 5 meeting on the staff-recommended BART Silicon Valley Phase II extension project description.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's (SCVTA) Board of Directors is set to vote at its April 5 meeting on the staff-recommended BART Silicon Valley Phase II extension project description.

A new $130 million container staging facility designed to boost productivity will be constructed on Terminal Island at the Port of Los Angeles.

The Harbor Performance Enhancement Center (HPEC) — a public-private partnership dedicated to facilitating freight movement and supply-chain efficiencies — has reached an agreement with Macquarie Principal Finance to provide capital for the development of the 5.5 million-square-foot container hub.

Union Pacific detailed plans to invest $45 million during 2018 into its Oklahoma network. The railroad says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.

Union Pacific detailed plans to invest $45 million during 2018 into its Oklahoma network. The railroad says the investment will enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) has voted to offer a $102.7 million contract to Barletta Heavy Division for work to rebuild its Wellington Rail Yard and upgrade its signal systems.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) has voted to offer a $102.7 million contract to Barletta Heavy Division for work to rebuild its Wellington Rail Yard and upgrade its signal systems.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and local businesses are urging Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to amend a recent funding bill for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

In two March 26 letters, they expressed support for the $154 million set aside for WMATA but asked Northam to ensure that the funding doesn't come at the expense of other key transportation priorities in the region.

MTA Metro-North Railroad has begun a full-scale renewal of its station in White Plains, New York.

The $94 million project includes refurbishment of entrances, along with installation of security cameras and speakers throughout the station.

Sound Transit has started building light-rail guideway in the Bel-Red area of Bellevue, Washington.

Crews are setting girders that will support light-rail tracks near the future Bel-Red/130th Station, agency officials said in a press release.

BNSF Railway could begin a project to build a second bridge across Lake Pend Oreille this fall. The railroad has applied for permits that would see the new bridge constructed adjacent to the existing bridge.

"The new infrastructure will provide the capacity needed for BNSF's current traffic and future growth, benefiting all the commodities that we transport and the Amtrak trains that run on our mainline," the railroad said. "When completed, trains will run in both directions across the bridges, reducing the need for trains to stop as they wait for clearance to cross. The result will be reduced congestion, enhanced safety, shorter wait times at crossings and improved service to our customers."