Railroad News

Herzog Railroad Services, Inc. (HRSI), has named James Hansen chief commercial officer, where he will report directly to HRSI President Rob Crawford.

Hansen will handle all marketing duties for Herzog's track-related divisions including HRSI, Herzog Technologies, Inc., and Herzog Services, Inc.

British Columbia's CA$1.43-billion (US$1.06 billion) Evergreen Line rapid transit extension is set to begin service in less than a month.

Robert “Bob” Grandy, retired president of Unity Railway Supply Co., Inc., died Oct. 18, 2016, at age 82. 

Canadian Pacific (CP) launched a website Nov. 8 that makes available the facts relating to work, rest and time off for Canadian-based employees.

Patriot Rail Services Company LLC (Patriot Rail), a U.S.-based rail services provider, has announced a rail infrastructure investment in its California-based subsidiary, Sacramento Valley Railroad (SAV), which serves McClellan Business Park. 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division has allotted an additional $10 million toward the Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program for fiscal year 2017.

Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have completed construction for the season for Wolverine Service trains, with more work scheduled in the New Year.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has announced $30 million in safety improvements to 27 intersections along its Blue Line.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and TWU Local 234 announced a tentative five-year contract Nov. 7, ending a six-day strike and bringing 4,700-plus employees back to work.

America’s Central Port District (ACP), located in Granite City and Madison, Ill., expects to complete the construction of 4.25 miles of new track throughout its business and industrial campus by the end of 2016.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) announced last week its completed acquisition of Providence and Worcester Railroad Company (P&W) for approximately $126 million, or $25.00 per share.

The SMART (Internation Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation workers) Transportation Division’s (TD) Missouri State Legislative Board released the results of a survey Nov. 2 revealing Missouri residents strongly support the addition of transportation options and more stringent safety requirements.

Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced a new strategy Nov. 3 aimed at improving the nation’s transportation system.

The New York & Atlantic Railway Company (NYA) announced multiple of upper-level promotions this week, including the promotion of current vice president James P. Bonner to president, effective Nov. 4, 2016.

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced Nov. 2 the launch of a three-month smartphone application pilot program that will allow North Carolina riders to plan their commutes and track trains in real time.

Metrom Rail, a developer of rail safety technology, released a new, modular PTC offering Nov. 2 that the company says can be implemented without significantly affecting train throughput.

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) awarded the 2016 Professional Environmental Excellence Award, described as the highest honor for environmental professionals in the railroad industry, to Russ McDaniel of Norfolk Southern (NS) today. 

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. 

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.