Orange County Says Trains May be Back in February

There’s a small bright spot in the ongoing saga of the erosion of the southern California coast, and the impact on rail lines and rail service.

Port Authority Transit Corporation

PATCO Performs Track Repair Amid Winter Conditions

Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) crews made a priority track repair in Center City on Dec. 13. The repair took place after a recent scan either did not detect damage on the rails

Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway is one of 12 North Carolina short lines to receive grant funding under the state’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program. (Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway Photograph)

NCDOT Awards $12MM for Small-Road Infrastructure Improvements

Twelve short lines will share approximately $12 million in infrastructure-improvement grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Amtrak Looks to Remove Pennsylvania ‘Distant Signals’

With Positive Train Control (PTC) operational, Amtrak is seeking Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval to remove automatic wayside signals serving as distant signals to existing interlockings on the Mid-Atlantic Division’s Philadelphia-to-Harrisburg, Pa.

Amtrak stepping up efforts for B&P Tunnel Replacement

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is pursuing a Delivery Partner model as part of its plans to replace the B&P Tunnel.

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Photograph Courtesy of Clark County, Wash., Public Works

For Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, a $4.7MM Upgrade

The first phase of a $4.7 million rehabilitation project will start this fall on the 33-mile Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Washington state.

Report: ‘Critical Structural Finding’ Causes MBTA to Shut Down JFK/UMass Station Entrance

According to a Boston Herald report, a “critical structural issue that was threatening public safety” was discovered this past weekend during an inspection at the entrance to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) JFK/UMass Station from Columbia Road to the pedestrian concourse leading to the station headhouse.

RTD Resumes Full Service on R Line

Following a derailment that occurred in Aurora on Sept. 21 that impacted the R Line, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) has restored full service to the affected four-mile stretch of the corridor from Aurora Metro Center to the 13th Avenue Station with additional safety measures in place.

“We must take immediate action to protect our planet from climate change,” Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said on Nov. 24. “Our government will continue to invest in measures that address the impacts of climate change. This is why we are providing funding under the Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative: to address severe weather impacts on railway operations.”

Transport Canada to Address Climate Change Impacts on Rail

Transport Canada has launched its first climate change-focused call for proposals to help ensure “railway infrastructure is resilient to extreme weather events.”

Hurricane Nicole Hammers More of Florida

Although Hurricane Nicole was not as nasty as Hurricane Ian, it left a tremendous amount of destruction and suffering in Florida. CNN reported that at least five people were killed and scores of coastal homes were washed away by the storm.

Silver Line Extension Gets Green Light from WMSC

The Washington Metro Safety Commission concurs – Silver Line Extension ready.

Here We Go Again – Tropical Storm Nicole Takes Aim at Florida

Just a few weeks after Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc through much of Florida, particularly in the Fort Myers area, forecasters are keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Nicole, which appears to be headed to some of the same areas hit by Ian.

Watch: Brightline Train Testing Video Feast

Brightline has been conducting high-speed testing on its new line to Orlando for the past several weeks.

NTSB To Short Lines – Keep A Close Eye on Weather

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued a safety recommendation to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association about the importance of maintaining dynamic weather alert criteria in railroad operations.

NTSB Releases Initial Report on PATCO Contractor Fatalities

On Oct. 17, RT&S reported that a PATCO train killed two workers on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in New Jersey. The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on this accident.

HART planning to open first line of rail soon, but concerns remain over column cracks

Back in August, RT&S reported on column cracks the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) was experiencing, which were found four years ago. The rail line will be opening soon, and the cracks still remain a concern.

Brightline continues high-speed testing on Orlando line

Brightline is continuing high-speed testing on its new line to Orlando. Here are some details from their press release.

MBTA Orange Line still facing speed restrictions

RT&S reported on Oct. 10 that data from TransitMatters, a transit advocacy agency, indicated speeds on the MBTA Orange Line were slower than before a work shutdown occurred. Looks like speed restrictions will now last into December.

Silver Line Project Washington, DC Metro

WMATA Silver Line extension operationally ready to open soon

Date for opening now rests with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission concurrence on both Silver Line certification and new 7K Return to Service Plan.

Bells & Whistles—Sen. Warren wants to see MBTA leadership gone

The top news stories RT&S was following the week ending Oct. 21.

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