Belle Fourche, S.D., Transload Tripling Capacity
The Belle Fourche, S.D., transloading facility is undergoing a $2.4 million expansion to accommodate up to 90 railcars; completion is slated for mid-July 2022.
Federal Railroad Administration
Commentary
FRA’s Waiver Process for Training Innovation
FRA waivers come in handy—when you know they exist. Every company, utility and mode of transportation experienced accelerated technological adoption in 2020 to accommodate pandemic challenges.
FRA Releases PTC Safety Advisory
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a Safety Advisory on a Positive Train Control (PTC) issue recently identified during testing of ACSES II (Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System II) and I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) technology.
Texas Central CEO Not Optimistic Construction Will Start in Six Months
During a recent interview, the CEO of the Texas Central high speed rail project did not shed much light on progress. Instead, there appears to be more fog developing.
For Hudson Tunnel Project, Updated Financial Plan
A new financial plan has been submitted to the Federal Transit Administration to support the Hudson Tunnel Project’s inclusion in the CIG (Capital Investments Grant) Program; the project is one segment of the Gateway Program on the Northeast Corridor.
FRA: $362MM CRISI Grant Program
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Aug. 31 will publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that provides nearly $362 million to eligible projects under the FY 2021 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant program, and to related railroad trespass prevention projects.
STB Taps Moyer to Coordinate Passenger Rail OTP Efforts
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has selected senior staffer Neil Moyer to coordinate preparation efforts as it takes on new intercity passenger rail on-time performance (OTP) responsibilities.
Transit Agencies Meet FTA’s Safety Plan Deadline
All agencies that receive Urbanized Area Formula Grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have certified that their safety plans were in place by June 20, 2021, the deadline for FTA’s 2018 rule.
FRA Issues Final Rule on Revised PTC Reporting
Effective Aug. 26, 2021, the Federal Railroad Administration is revising regulations governing changes to Positive Train Control (PTC) systems and reporting on PTC system performance.
Atlanta-Charlotte High Speed Rail Project Moving Forward
A proposed high speed passenger rail line linking Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga., now has a preferred route.