Railroad News

​For Immediate Release

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for October and Week Ending October 29, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 2, 2016 – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported weekly U.S. rail traffic, as well as volumes for October 2016.

11/2/2016    

Rail News: Canadian Pacific

HNTB Corporation (HNTB) has hired Michael Steffen as its new senior systems project manager, specializing in positive train control.

The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) has announced it will invest about $14.3 million in construction on its New Orleans Subdivision before the calendar year ends. 

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Freight Rail Industry Honors Employees for Environmental Awareness

Norfolk Southern's Russ McDaniel Awarded 2016 Professional Environmental Excellence Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nov. 2, 2016 – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today awarded the 2016 Professional Environmental Excellence Award, which is the highest honor for environmental professionals in the railroad industry, to Russ McDaniel of Norfolk Southern.  

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 has about 5,000 workers on strike today following the expiration of the union’s contract with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a regional public transportation authority serving the greater Philadelphia area, at 12:01 a.m.  

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) has ordered 45 new S70 light-rail vehicles (LRVs) from Siemens for use along its rail system.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released this year’s safety Watchlist and announced efforts to include government and industry leaders in conversations and efforts to enhance the safety of Canada’s transportation network.

10/31/2016    

Rail News: Norfolk Southern Railway

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) officials say they plan to present a stringent budget recommendation to the board’s Finance Committee at its Nov. 3 meeting.

10/31/2016    

Rail News: Canadian National Railway - CN

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Build America Bureau is urging applicants to submit proposals for as much as $850 million in Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants.

 “Across the country, there are sidelined projects that are essential to America’s cities and our transportation network, and leveraging a FASTLANE grant from the Build America Bureau can move many of these projects forward,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “FASTLANE grants give us an opportunity to identify and invest strategically in those projects that are critical to keeping our nation’s economic engine running.”

10/28/2016    

Rail News: CSX Transportation

Union Pacific will be performing track work along three of Metra's commuter lines throughout November.

On the UP West Line to Elburn, workers will be replacing insulated joints throughout the line. Metra notes that wear and tear can cause signal failures that disrupt rail traffic and delay trains. Welders will also be out across the line making repairs to the track and work on the Salt Creek Bridge in Villa Park that began in October will continue.

The Board of Directors of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) selected Krishniah N. Murthy as the authority's interim executive director and CEO.

Murthy will begin on Dec. 5 and his employment agreement is for one year. Murthy succeeds Dan Grabauskas, who resigned effective Aug. 18. HART ex-officio voting board member Michael D. Formby is acting executive director between Grabauskas' resignation and Murthy's start.

Knox Kershaw, Inc., hosted U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL-3) for a tour and discussion of rail and manufacturing issues at its long-held Montgomery, Ala., facility.

Local businesses, such as Central Steel Service, Inc., Loftis/Robbins, Inc., and railroad representatives from Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services and Norfolk Southern also participated in the event, which was coordinated by the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association.