Railpace Hot News

Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.

Support Rail Safety with a New Kentucky Operation Lifesaver License Plate

March 27, 2024

Support Rail Safety with a New Kentucky Operation Lifesaver License Plate

Kentucky drivers now have a unique way to show their commitment to railroad safety and support a worthy cause. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has partnered with Operation Lifesaver Kentucky to offer a new specialty license plate.

Metro-North Railroad Announces Upcoming Schedule Update to Take Effect April 7

March 26, 2024

Metro-North Railroad Announces Upcoming Schedule Update to Take Effect April 7

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad today announced an upcoming schedule update which will go into effect on Sunday, April 7. The updated schedule reflects minor adjustments to accommodate major infrastructure projects such as the Park Avenue Viaduct Replacement Project undertaken by MTA Construction & Development and the Walk Bridge Replacement Project undertaken by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, as well as general infrastructure improvement work.

RIDC Sells 13-Acres in Duquesne to Union Railroad Company

March 26, 2024

RIDC Sells 13-Acres in Duquesne to Union Railroad Company

Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) has sold a 13-acre parcel in RIDC’s City Center of Duquesne to Union Railroad Company, LLC. Union Railroad will develop the land as a rail-to-truck and truck-to-rail transloading facility to expand its offerings to rail-served industries. The purchase price was $400,000.

Union Railroad Opens New Railcar Repair Facility in Pittsburgh Area

March 26, 2024

Union Railroad Opens New Railcar Repair Facility in Pittsburgh Area

Union Railroad Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transtar, LLC, is excited to announce the opening of the newest railroad freight car repair shop in North America. Located in the industrial district of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, the facility was constructed through a public/private partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as part of its construction of the Mon Fayette Expressway.

Federal Transit Administration Opens Public Comment on Proposed Rule to Strengthen Rail Transit Worker Safety

March 25, 2024

Federal Transit Administration Opens Public Comment on Proposed Rule to Strengthen Rail Transit Worker Safety

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that, for the first time, it is proposing mandatory minimum standards to protect those who perform track work for all rail transit agencies nationwide.

New Jersey Governor Announces $29.6 Million in FY24 Rail Freight Assistance Program Grants

March 23, 2024

New Jersey Governor Announces $29.6 Million in FY24 Rail Freight Assistance Program Grants

The Murphy Administration announced the awarding of 10 FY24 Rail Freight Assistance Program grants totaling more than $29.6 million funded through the State
Transportation Trust Fund.

MTA Awarded Federal Grant to Develop New Technology to Improve Safety and Operating Efficiencies

March 22, 2024

MTA Awarded Federal Grant to Develop New Technology to Improve Safety and Operating Efficiencies

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that it has received a federal grant for $2 million from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants program. The grant funds an automated railcar inspection system pilot that will allow Metro-North Railroad to conduct daily Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-mandated railcar inspections more efficiently.

Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending March 16, 2024

March 21, 2024

Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending March 16, 2024

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 16, 2024. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 474,596 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.7 percent compared with the same week last year.

Amtrak Begins Major Harrisburg Line Track Renewal 

March 20, 2024

Amtrak Begins Major Harrisburg Line Track Renewal 

Amtrak is investing $122 million in Pennsylvania to improve tracks on the Harrisburg Line, between Lancaster and Harrisburg. This work will improve ride quality and comfort, increase service reliability and complete necessary work required to keep the tracks in a state of good repair. 

Norfolk Southern Appoints Industry Veteran John Orr as Chief Operating Officer

March 20, 2024

Norfolk Southern Appoints Industry Veteran John Orr as Chief Operating Officer

Norfolk Southern Corporation announced Wednesday the appointment of John Orr as executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective immediately