“It’s a tightknit group,” said UP Senior Manager Dave Victores of the railroaders at the Oakland, Calif., locomotive shop who have achieved a safety milestone. “They actively care and look out for each other.” (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: UP, BNSF

Union Pacific’s (UP) locomotive shop in Oakland, Calif., celebrates a safety milestone. Also, BNSF opens nominations for its 2025 Sustainability Awards program.

UP’s automated cross tie unloading equipment in action in North Little Rock, Ark. (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: UP, NS

Union Pacific (UP) Executive Vice President-Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker issues a “Status of the Railroad” report to customers. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) uses “silvopasture” to help prevent wildfires at Brosnan Forest in South Carolina.

Big Boy to Make Two Whistle-Stops in Colorado During Limited 2025 Excursion

Union Pacific’s (UP) Big Boy 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will make two whistle-stops in Greeley, Colo., this summer as part of a limited summer excursion.

EGA to Build Production Facility at Tulsa Port of Inola

Premium aluminum producer Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) recently announced plans to build a new primary aluminum production facility at Tulsa Port of Inola, a Union Pacific (UP) Focus Site in Oklahoma. The

Commentary

Union Pacific Aims to Drive Safer, More Fluid Operations at Southern Border

Meeting in the middle is great in most scenarios – but a railroad bridge straddling the international border between the U.S. and Mexico is not one of them.

Commentary

‘China Air Pocket’; CSX Recovery Update

In the two weeks through May 17, the “China air pocket” in imports hitting the West Coast has become very visible. The trade war rhetoric between the U.S. and China culminated in

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, SEPTA, CDOT/FRPR District, Santa Clara VTA

Amtrak advances upgrades and repairs at Lancaster Station. Also, April 2025 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) ridership increases 6% from last year; SEPTA’s Efficiency & Accountability (E&A) Program recognizes $91 million in revenue and savings; the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) District explore options to bring passenger rail service to the Front Range; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) launches a veteran discount fare pilot program.

Springfield Rail Improvements Project (current map, left; future rail corridor map, right). (Courtesy of Hanson Professional Services)

$157MM Secured for Springfield Rail Improvements Project

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has fully obligated $157,126,494 from the FRA CRISI grant program for the final segment of the Springfield (Ill.) Rail Improvements Project, allowing construction to move forward.

Beth Whited, President, UP (UP Photograph)

UP’s Whited Moving to Advisory Role (UPDATED 5/12)

After 37 years of service, Beth Whited on July 1 will transition from President of Union Pacific (UP) to Strategic Advisor, a position she will hold until early 2026, the Class I railroad reported May 9.

The Capital Area Rail Terminal in Jefferson City, Mo., officially launched late last month. It connects with Union Pacific. (Photograph Courtesy of terminal operator Capital Logistics)

Class I Briefs: UP, BNSF, CSX

Union Pacific (UP) links to the new Capital Area Rail Terminal in Jefferson City, Mo., and signs a historic lease agreement for Colorado’s Moffat Tunnel, replacing the original 1926 lease. Also, BNSF honors its 2024 Employees of the Year in Fort Worth, Tex.; and CSX celebrates three employees whose “outstanding commitment to strong attendance” has earned them new cars.

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