Digest: FRA, FTA release key documents on Gateway tunnel project

Amtrak train coming out of tunnel

Release of environmental report, Record of Decision allows Gateway tunnel project to move forward The Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration have issued the final Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision on the Gateway tunnel project under the Hudson River, which clears the way for the project to receive federal funding.  “This […]

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Digest: Deal appears to be in place to keep Ontario’s Huron Central running

Huron Central Railway logo

Deal will provide $33 million for Huron Central route repairs The threatened closure of Ontario’s Huron Central Railway appears to have again been averted. Northern Ontario Business reports the co-chair of a task force working to save the 173-mile line between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury says the railroad is “comfortable that it will in […]

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Digest: CP says CN plan to sell line in Louisiana fails to address larger competitive concerns

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

CP calls CN plan to sell KCS line ‘token divestment,’ remains critical of merger’s competitive impact Canadian Pacific says Canadian National’s plans to divest a Kansas City Southern line in Louisiana is “clear recognition” of the competitive issues created by the proposed CN-KCS merger. In a Thursday statement, CP also said the “token divestment” would […]

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Canadian contrasts

Streamlined steam locomotive in front of box-like diesel locomotive

Canadian contrasts Canadian National U-4-a 6404’s rounded contours contrast with the angular lines of a nearby SW1200RS diesel switcher, although the 4-8-4’s traditional-style signal/marker lamps, boxy numberboards, and spoked engine-truck wheels detract from its streamlined appearance. Jim Shaughnessy photo […]

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Digest: Pacific Surfliner to require reservations on peak summer weekends

Blue and silver-painted locomotive at a station platform surrounding by brown steel work and palm trees. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner renewable diesel.

Pacific Surfliners to require reservations on four weekends; more could be added Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will require reservations for travel on peak weekends this suffer, a move to manage capacity when more travelers are anticipated. Four weekends have been designated for the reservation requirement — Memorial Day weekend (May 28-June 1), Fourth of July weekend […]

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Digest: News report says official leaves California high speed rail agency after investigation

California High Speed Rail Authority logo

No. 2 official departs from California high speed agency The No. 2 official at the California High-Speed Rail Authority has left the agency as the result of an investigation, the Los Angeles Times reports. Chief Operating Officer Joe Hedges left the agency as of Tuesday following an investigation that began last year with an anonymous […]

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Digest: South Shore Double Track project seeks ways to reduce cost

SouthShore_MichCity_Lassen

South Shore agency studying ways to reduce cost of Double Track project The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District is studying options for lowering the cost of its Double Track project to add a second main for South Shore Line service between Gary, Ind., and Michigan City. The Times of Northwest Indiana reports that South Shore […]

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Digest: Canadian government announces $21 million in rail safety funding

Transport Canada logo

Canadian government announces $21 million in funding for rail safety projects The Canadian government announced it would spend more tha C$21 million to help fund 135 projects across Canada under the Rail Safety Improvement Program — Infrastructure, Technology, and Research. The funds will address grade crossing improvements, small projects such as fencing and pedestrian crossings, […]

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Digest: Maine legislators consider bills to study expanded passenger service

Passenger train passing through trees

Two bills would fund studies of expanded Maine passenger service Maine legislators are considering two bills to study expanded passenger rail service in the state, while some residents would like to see state-owned rail corridors used for recreational trails. Currently, Maine’s only rail service, the Downeaster to Boston, terminates at Brunswick. WMTW-TV reports sponsors hope […]

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Digest: Evacuation continues near Sibley, Iowa, derailment

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

Evacuation continues after UP derailment in Iowa Iowa State Troopers said they planned to allow the fire to burn overnight after a Union Pacific train derailed and caught fire in Sibley, Iowa, on Sunday afternoon. KELO-TV reports an evacuation remains in effect in a 2½-mile radius of the derailment site, with those evacuated sheltering in […]

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Digest: California governor calls for additional $11 billion in transportation spending

Metro_Crenshaw_1

California governor seeks additional $11 billion for transportation projects California Gov. Gavin Newsom, aided by the presence of a projected budget surplus of more than $75 billion, is proposing to add $11 billion for transportation to the state budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The additional funds — which would bring the total transportation budget […]

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What’s the timeline for a Canadian National merger with Kansas City Southern?

Canadian National and Kansas City Southern logos

If Canadian Pacific does not top Canadian National’s $33.6 billion offer for Kansas City Southern in the next five days, a CN-KCS merger would proceed toward the approval process. First, KCS shareholders must approve the deal announced yesterday, which would give them $200 per share in cash, along with 1.129 shares of CN common stock, […]

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