Railpace Hot News

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

Norfolk Southern Announces Six-Point Safety Plan

March 6, 2023

Norfolk Southern Announces Six-Point Safety Plan

 Norfolk Southern Corporation  announced Monday a six-point plan to immediately enhance the safety of its operations. The initiatives are based on the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment.

Amtrak Cascades Service Fully Restored

March 6, 2023

Amtrak Cascades Service Fully Restored

Amtrak, in collaboration with ODOT, WSDOT and other agencies resumed Cascades service between Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, BC on March 6. This marks the first time direct service operates between Portland and stations north of Seattle since 2020

Brightline Test Trains between Cocoa and Orlando

March 3, 2023

Brightline Test Trains between Cocoa and Orlando

Brightline was planning for test trains at maximum speeds of 125 miles-per-hour as soon as Wednesday, March 1, between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa. The testing will be taking place along the new 35-mile dedicated rail corridor that runs parallel to the Beachline Expressway/SR 528 in Orange and Brevard Counties. 

Restoration of Nashville Locomotive Enters the Last Mile

March 3, 2023

Restoration of Nashville Locomotive Enters the Last Mile

After seven years of work to relocate 1940s steam locomotive No. 576 from static display in Centennial Park and revamp it into a regional tourist attraction, the end is almost in sight and caretakers Nashville Steam Preservation Society, Inc. has launched a new matching campaign to raise $350,000 to finish the job.

CSX Joins FRA Close Call Reporting System

March 3, 2023

CSX Joins FRA Close Call Reporting System

CSX announced that it is joining the Federal Railroad Administration’s Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3Rs), as part of its commitment to working together to keep its employees and communities safe.

Norfolk Southern joins FRA Close Call Reporting System

March 3, 2023

Norfolk Southern joins FRA Close Call Reporting System

Norfolk Southern Corporation announced that it is joining the Federal Railroad Administration’s Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS). Norfolk Southern was already actively participating in the C3RS Working Group that is part of the Department of Transportation’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee. By joining the program, the company is building upon its own long-standing Close Call Experience Program.

Weekly Rail Traffic for February and the Week Ending February 25, 2023

March 3, 2023

Weekly Rail Traffic for February and the Week Ending February 25, 2023

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 25, 2023, as well as volumes for February 2023. U.S. railroads originated 905,744 carloads in February 2023, down 1.6 percent, or 15,101 carloads, from February 2022. U.S. railroads also originated 943,979 containers and trailers in February 2023, down 8.4 percent, or 86,351 units, from the same month last year. Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in February 2023 were 1,849,723, down 5.2 percent, or 101,452 carloads and intermodal units from February 2022.

Genesee Valley Transportation Acquires Historic Alco PA, Moves to New Home in Scranton

March 2, 2023

Genesee Valley Transportation Acquires Historic Alco PA, Moves to New Home in Scranton

Genesee Valley Transportatio has purchased former Delaware & Hudson Alco PA 18 from Doyle McCormack and will move it to Scranton, Pa., to complete its restoration for eventual future operation.

MTA to Raise Frequently Struck LIRR Bridge in Garden City

March 1, 2023

MTA to Raise Frequently Struck LIRR Bridge in Garden City

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced over the next five consecutive weekends, crews will raise the height of the bridge that carries the LIRR Hempstead Branch over Cherry Valley Ave. in Garden City. With a posted height of just 10’4”, the overpass is struck by over height vehicles more than any other in the LIRR system.

Long Island Rail Road Ridership Rises as Railroad Begins Full Service at Grand Central Madison

February 28, 2023

Long Island Rail Road Ridership Rises as Railroad Begins Full Service at Grand Central Madison

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) yesterday began full service at Grand Central Madison, with the railroad noting an overall uptick in Monday morning rush hour ridership of nearly 2%. By the conclusion of the rush hour, the railroad had recorded 47,413 morning peak passengers. Manhattan-bound customers were split 30% traveling to Grand Central Madison on its first full day, 70% to Penn Station.