Seattle: One transit project progresses, while another is halted
The transit network in Seattle, Wash., had a good news/bad news situation last week as one light-rail project progressed, while work was halted on a streetcar project.
Author: Mischa Wanek-Libman
BNSF could start on key Idaho bridge by fall
BNSF Railway could begin a project to build a second bridge across Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, this fall. The railroad has applied for permits that would see the new bridge constructed adjacent to the existing bridge.
DEIR released for LACMTA turnback facility
A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been released for a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) project that will speed the turnaround time Red and Purple line trains need at Union Station, which will allow more of these trains along the lines.
Rail takes 10% of TIGER grants (so far)
Four rail-specific and rail-related projects have been awarded a total of $54.5 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants, or about 10% of the $500 million available in the latest round of funding.
D.C.’s SSO Program certified by FTA
The District of Columbia (D.C.) obtained Federal Transit Administration (FTA) certification for its rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program, becoming the fourth state or entity to be certified.
TSB: Canadian railway accidents increase
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its preliminary transportation occurrence statistics for 2017. Total railway incidents were up, but still in line with five-year averages.
CEO: Amtrak won’t run trains on non-PTC track
Amtrak won’t operate its passenger trains on tracks without Positive Train Control in 2019 if host railroads fail to meet the deadline for installation of the federally-mandated safety technology.
FRA has $73 million available in rail safety grants
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is accepting grant applications for projects that will strengthen rail safety efforts through the implementation of positive train control (PTC), crossing improvements and congestion mitigation.
Baltimore rail shutting down for a fix up
The Maryland Department of Transportation has determined the entire Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) rail system will remain closed for up to four weeks following an inspection.
CTC awards $96M to 11 rail projects
Caltrans released details surrounding $173.4 million in grants awarded to 57 projects by the California Transportation Commission. Out of the pot of funds awarded, $96.4 million will go toward 11 state rail projects.