Map showing the June 28, 2019, route of CN train M38331-27 the derailment location. (Source: Railway Association of Canada, Canadian Rail Atlas, with TSB annotations)

TSB: Railcar Structural Failure Led to 2019 CN Tunnel Derailment

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) on Dec. 18 reported that structural failure of a bathtub gondola car led to the 2019 derailment of a CN train proceeding through the CN Paul M. Tellier Tunnel en route from Sarnia, Ontario, to Port Huron, Mich. At the time of the accident, “there was no industry or regulatory requirement to periodically conduct a full inspection of the car to ensure it maintained its structural integrity,” the TSB reported. “As a result, its structural integrity deteriorated and this was not identified. …”

‘Next-Gen Freight Rail’ Conference Set for March 12

Railway Age’s Next-Gen Freight Rail 2024 Conference will take place on March 12, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago. Join us as we discuss

“We are implementing new strategies across our network to improve how we deliver safe, reliable, and resilient service to our customers,” NS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Paul Duncan said. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CN/UP, CSX

Norfolk Southern (NS) boosts service and intermodal velocity by decongesting yards, and recognizes 13 partners for outstanding achievements in energy efficiency, innovation and environmental stewardship. Also, CN and Union Pacific (UP) earn spots on both the World and North American Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for 2023; and CSX Engineering Vehicle Operator McKinley “Mac” Williams celebrates 57 years of service.

SBCTA’s first ZEMU train (pictured) arrived in the U.S. in September and is being tested at the DOT Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo. (ENSCO Photograph). The agency recently awarded a contract for a hydrogen storage and transfer system that will be used to fuel the ZEMU. (ENSCO Photograph)

Transit Briefs: SBCTA, SCVTA, Sound Transit, VIA Rail

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) advances its hydrogen infrastructure project ahead of ZEMU (Zero-Emission Multiple Unit) train service in California. Also, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) lands a $2.98 million grant for the Tidal Marsh Restoration Project; Seattle’s Sound Transit launches an online open house for an access improvements project at Sounder commuter rail’s South Tacoma Station; and Saskatchewan mayors consider a new route for VIA Rail Canada’s Canadian intercity passenger rail service.

NS photo

Class I Briefs: CPKC, CN, NS

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and to the North America Index (DJSI North America) for 2023. Also, CN acknowledges its historical colonial role as it continues its Reconciliation journey; and Norfolk Southern (NS) sparks Atlanta’s fire rescue innovation with a $500,000 gift.

CN “EcoChampions” over the past two years have found smarter ways to improve safety in Winnipeg—protecting their team, rail assets and the environment, according to the Canadian Class I railroad. (CN Image)

Class I Briefs: CN, CSX, NS

CN “EcoChampions” reduced waste, conserved energy and improved safety at the Canadian Class I’s CargoFlo facility in Winnipeg. Also, CSX teamed with Nutrien to boost asset utilization and business, and marked a safety milestone in Orlando, Fla.; and Norfolk Southern (NS), Amtrak and two railcar owners ran a holiday train across New York’s Capital Region.

CN’s Vice President, Transportation Southern Region Nicholas Clark (left) and Vice President, Multimodal Girish Nair.

Clark, Nair Elevated to CN VP Roles

CN has promoted Nicholas Clark and Girish Nair to Vice President, Transportation Southern Region and Vice President, Multimodal, respectively.

ASLRRA President Chuck Baker
Commentary

Short Lines Are Dependable and Get the Job Done

ASLRRA PERSPECTIVE, RAILWAY AGE DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE: The story of “The Little Engine That Could” began as an American folktale popularized by various authors in the 1900s. An early published version of the tale appeared in 1906 under the title “Thinking One Can” in Wellspring for Young People, a national Sunday School Publication. A subsequent version was published in 1910 in the Kindergarten Review under the title “The Pony Engine.” In 1930, the story became widely known under the title “The Little Engine That Could” after a Chicago publishing house released it as an illustrated children’s book that was used in schools to teach children the value of optimism and hard work.

CN earned a safety award and an environmental award from Railway Association of Canada in 2023. (CN Photograph)

RAC Honors Safety, Environmental Leaders (Updated 12/5)

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) on Nov. 29 announced the recipients of its 2023 Safety and Environmental Awards that recognize “excellence and innovation.”

Julie Gascon, President and CEO, Montreal Port Authority (CNW Group/Port of Montréal Photograph)

Julie Gascon to Lead MPA

The Montréal Port Authority (MPA) has appointed Julie Gascon as President and CEO, effective Feb. 12, 2024.

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