September issue of RT&S is now online
The September issue of RT&S features our 2022 Engineer of the Year John Cech from BNSF.
Technology
BNSF’s John Cech named 2022 Engineer of the Year by Railway Track & Structures
John Cech, vice president, Engineering at BNSF, is the recipient of the 2022 Engineer of the Year Award from Railway Track & Structures Media.
WMATA to begin major construction of Blue and Yellow lines
In less than a month, WMATA will begin significant construction to repair the Yellow Line tunnel and bridge, as well as advance critical improvements needed to open the future Potomac Yard Station later this fall.
Opinion: What’s up with the FRA?
Why has the Federal Railroad Administration put the brakes on automated track inspection testing?
WMATA experiences IT network connection issue, minor service disruption
At approximately 7 a.m., Aug. 3, Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) identified an intermittent IT network connection issue that impacted communications between systems.
Watch: NJ Transit and Amtrak break ground on Portal North Bridge project
NJ Transit and Amtrak are replacing the century-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey with a higher bridge that will not have to open and close for river traffic.
MTA announces universal subway wireless connectivity plan
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced a public-private partnership to provide cell coverage throughout all 418 track miles of subway tunnels, along with an expansion of Wi-Fi service to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations.
Watch: How Metrolinx is building the LRT
Talking about construction is one thing – but seeing it is a whole other story. In a newly released video, Metrolinx shows how the different phases of construction will work when shovels hit the ground for the Hamilton LRT.
Transport Canada announces new rail safety measures
This week, the Canadian Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Government of Canada is taking new actions to improve rail safety, in alignment with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s recommendations regarding the derailment in Field, British Columbia, in 2019.
ENSCO Rail to supply track inspection vehicle for UAE’s first railway network
ENSCO Rail, Inc., announced on July 21 that Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, awarded the company a multi-year contract for a track inspection vehicle to assist in the building of the UAE’s first freight and passenger railway network.
Canada invests in four projects to increase rail efficiency in Regina and southern Saskatchewan
Canada’s supply chain is still feeling the impacts of the pandemic and the Government of Canada is committed to addressing this by strengthening Canada’s supply chains and trade corridors, which will grow the economy and mitigate global inflation.
FTAI announces details for completion of FTAI infrastructure spin-off
Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC (“FTAI”; Nasdaq: FTAI) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the details and timing of the spin-off of its infrastructure business.
Watch: From power drills to locomotives, tech is making work easier and safer on Union Pacific
Advances in technology have always moved the railroad forward.
Artificial intelligence, LiDAR will help form proactive track maintenance system for MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will soon decide on which technology it will turn to in regard to its Signaling Challenge Initiative.
CSX outsourcing IT jobs
CSX announced that it is outsourcing nearly 140 information technology jobs to a company based in India.
Koppers presents annual Zero Harm President’s Award to Muncy, Pa., facility
Koppers recently presented the annual Zero Harm President’s Award to its Muncy facility in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in recognition of its best-in-company performance as measured in safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation.
MBTA will improve signal and control systems over next several months
MBTA will be working on the railroad this summer.
New technology informs trains about earthquake tremors before they can do damage
California’s Metrolink will use a technology to help notify train operators of earthquake tremors before any serious damage occurs on rail lines.
MBTA in hot water with FTA
MBTA and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities have been called out by the Federal Transit Administration for safety violations.
Watch: Amtrak increasing speed of Acela trains in New Jersey
Amtrak passengers can now travel even faster on Acela as recent infrastructure improvements along a 16-mile segment of the Northeast Corridor in New Jersey between South Brunswick (Monmouth Junction) and Trenton known as the Raceway can accommodate speeds of up to 150 mph.