AREMA/Watford Fellowship application deadline nears

The AREMA Educational Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Committee to the Watford Group of International Railway Designers, has created the “Watford Fellowship,” described as “a unique learning opportunity for an aspiring railway employee to gain an international perspective of railroad design and operations.”

InnoTrans offers discounted tickets to North American attendees

InnoTrans, the semi-annual global railway industry trade exhibition and the largest event of its type, is offering discounted tickets to North American attendees.

Commentary

Highway homicide affects railroads, too

This is about a highway homicide — and we know who dunnit. The perp long ago was identified by state and federal authorities. Yet Congress refuses to order the collar, closing its eyes to a mayhem playing out at every hour, on every federal-aid roadway and adversely affecting every taxpayer and every motorist in the wallet, while simultaneously turning on its head the concept of economic efficiency.

NxGen touts high-speed rail inspection

Chicago-based NxGen Rail Services announced Wednesday, March 12, 2014 what it calls “the release of the world’s first high-speed rail inspection system capable of detecting missing and displaced rail anchors.”

Axion International gets second Russian order

Axion International Holdings, Inc. said Tuesday, March 11, 2014 it has “a second purchase order for ECOTRAX® rail ties to be shipped to Russia and installed in track with a major transit line.”

Gripping Task

Fastening system developments are ensuring track integrity, as more is demanded of rail infrastructure. Market growth for fastening systems continues to see a push from heavier and more frequent loads, and suppliers remain focused on research efforts to ensure their products have the proper clamp, vibration resistance and fatigue life to serve the railroads well.

CSX J&L Tunnel project honored

CSX’s J&L Tunnel Modification Project in Pittsburgh has won the Project of the Year Award from the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) and the Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC/PA). “These awards recognize the J&L Tunnel Project’s safe completion, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and community benefits,” CSX said.

CN 2014 capex: C$2.1 billion

CN announced on Feb. 19, 2014 a capital investment plan worth approximately C$2.1 billion (US$1.9 billion) “to continue to raise network safety and efficiency, improve service, and grow the business.” The amount is approximately $100 million higher than what CN invested in 2013.

RTA, UIUC sponsoring two educational events

In June 2014, the Railway Tie Association (RTA) and the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) will host joint activities that will provide educational and networking opportunities relating to crossties and fastening systems. These events are expected to draw domestic and international attendees that include rail infrastructure component designers, manufacturers, researchers, and end users such as Class I’s and transit operators.

What’s the diagnosis?

High-tech track inspection gives railroads a clear picture of their maintenance needs. Automated track measurements assess overall track structure and individual components and, over time, can illustrate infrastructure health trends to aid

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