Railpace Hot News

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

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

STV Leading Procurement for New Rail Cars on SEPTA’s Busiest Transit Line

March 19, 2024

STV Leading Procurement for New Rail Cars on SEPTA’s Busiest Transit Line

STV, a leading professional services firm that plans, designs and manages infrastructure projects across North America, today announced that it has been selected by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to lead the procurement for up to 200 new, state-of-the-art M5 metro rail cars for SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line (MFL), which is the authority’s busiest rapid transit line.

MDOT Announces Rail Grant for Intermodal Terminal Improvements in Detroit

March 19, 2024

MDOT Announces Rail Grant for Intermodal Terminal Improvements in Detroit

Neighborhoods near the Detroit Livernois Intermodal Facility in southwest Detroit stand to benefit from a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) 2024 Michigan Rail Enhancement Grant Program (M-REP) grant. The $5 million grant to CSX Transportation will support equipment upgrades, track work and paving the dirt and gravel yard. Paving the yard is an important measure to help limit the amount of dust kicked up and blown into surrounding neighborhoods.

CPKC Celebrates Historic Opening of CPKC Stadium

March 18, 2024

CPKC Celebrates Historic Opening of CPKC Stadium

On Saturday, March 16 Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) representatives joined the Kansas City Current soccer team to celebrate the opening of CPKC Stadium, the first stadium in the world built specifically for a women’s professional sports team.

FRA Announces $900,000 in New Planning and Development Grants to Support Intercity Passenger Rail Services

March 14, 2024

FRA Announces $900,000 in New Planning and Development Grants to Support Intercity Passenger Rail Services

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced that it has awarded $900,000 to three entities through the Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Grant Program. Created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the IRC Program provides new opportunities to entities implementing IRCs to advance multi-state and regional passenger rail service efforts.

Reading & Northern Nesquehoning Campus

March 14, 2024

Reading & Northern Nesquehoning Campus

Since acquiring the former KME properties in Nesquehoning in 2022, the Reading & Northern Railroad has made great progress in shaping the campus as its own. Many departments have established a presence at the Nesquehoning Campus.