MxV Rail: Registration Now Open for 28th Annual AAR Research Review

MxV Rail announced March 20 that registration is now open for the 28th Annual Association of American Railroads (AAR) Research Review, which will take place in Pueblo, Colo., June 26-28, 2023, bringing together MxV Rail experts, leaders from Class I and short line railroads, university students, and suppliers from around the world.

Sound Transit CEO Pledges to Revamp Downtown Light-Rail Stations

New Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm recently announced that improvements, including security guards and cleaning teams, will be implemented this month.

MTA Pushes Ahead With $7.7B East Harlem Subway Extension

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects to launch construction on Phase 2 of its Second Avenue subway line into Manhattan’s East Harlem segment in 2024, assuming federal funding is allocated, according to Charles Gary, MTA’s deputy general counsel.

Metrolinx Upgrades Add Capacity Along Kitchener GO Line

Metrolinx has been completing upgrades to the Kitchener GO Line since taking ownership of the track between Georgetown and Kitchener in 2018.

CTDOT Preps for Track Improvements on Metro-North New Canaan Branch Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced that the agency expects track improvements to be completed on the New Canaan Branch Line this summer, informing passengers that all train service will be replaced by substitute bus service.

Honolulu’s HART Service to Open in July

In his State of the City address, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced this week that the Honolulu Rail will open to the public in July.

Minnesota Report Finds Governance Issues for Southwest Light Rail Project

A recent analysis of the Southwest Light Rail project identifies a number of governance challenges and recommends that the Minnesota Legislature rethink how large transit projects are planned, funded, and implemented.

LACMTA

LACMTA Prepares for Purple Line Extension Construction

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s D Line (Purple) service will be disrupted beginning March 20 and lasting about 30 days due to construction of the Purple Line Extension Project.

North County Transit Plans Maintenance for Two Coastal Rail Lines

San Diego’s North County Transit District has planned maintenance and infrastructure enhancements for two rail lines in March along the coastal rail corridor.

OCTA Identifies Long-Term Rail Stabilization Efforts for San Clemente

The Orange County Transportation Authority announced this week it made a crucial step in identifying ways to protect the coastal rail line that runs through south Orange County.

North County Transit’s Proposed Railroad Fence Awaits Decision More Than Two Years After Petition

More than two and a half years after the North County Transit District submitted its petition for a declaratory order regarding whether Del Mar gets a safety fence constructed along its 1.7 miles of blufftop railroad, the Surface Transportation Board has not yet provided a decision.

Brightline Seeks FRA Approval of Positive Train Control Safety Plan

Brightline is seeking Federal Railroad Administration approval of its Positive Train Control Safety Plan and certification of the agency’s Interoperable Electronic Train Management System as a mixed PTC system, according to documents the agency submitted to the FRA on Feb. 28.

WMATA Safety Commission Addresses Safety Issues, 7000 Series Railcars

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission discussed several safety investigations at its March 7 Public Meeting of the Commissioners.

Altamont Corridor Express Rail Expansion Faces Two-Year Delay

The Altamont Corridor Express’ expansion into Stanislaus and Sacramento counties is expected to be delayed by two years.

Illinois Commerce Commission Approves St. Clair County Highway-Rail Safety Project 

A Stipulated Agreement requiring new automatic warning devices at a highway-rail crossing near New Athens in St. Clair County has been approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

NTSB Continues to Investigate Fatal Grade Crossing Crash between SUV, Brightline Train

The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it is continuing to investigate a recent grade crossing collision that occurred on Feb. 8, 2023, when a Nissan Rogue SUV was struck in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Metra

Durabook Computing Solutions to Supply Metra With Rugged Computers

Durabook, a provider of computing solutions, will supply Chicago’s Metra system with its rugged S15AB laptop computers.

CSX Train Derails, Injuring 3 Workers In New River Gorge

A CSX train derailed during the early morning hours of March 8 in West Virginia’s New River Gorge. No life-threatening injuries or hazardous materials were reported.

Metrolinx Plans Weekend Work to Clear Path for Hazel McCallion Line

Metrolinx will soon have crews working on sewer and watermain installations, including relocations and upgrades, at the intersection of Hurontario and Dundas Streets in Mississauga in preparation for the Hazel McCallion Line’s infrastructure construction.

Ports of Indiana Commission Approves $20M in New Projects Amid Gains

Ports of Indiana handled 11.9 million tons of cargo in 2022, a 6% rise from 2021 and 42% more than in 2020. The year-end totals were announced March 9 at the Ports of Indiana’s first quarter commission meeting.

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