General Information
U.S. rail traffic continued upward climb in Week 14
(Source: Progressive Railroading 04/12/2018) U.S. rail traffic climbed 3.8 percent to 524,905 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending April 7 compared with traffic the same week a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). U.S. carload traffic during the week rose 4.6 percent to 261,898 units, while intermodal volume increased 3.1 percent to 263,007…
Read MoreUP unveils infrastructure upgrades in Arizona, Washington
(Source: Progressive Railroading 04/11/2018) Union Pacific Railroad this year will invest nearly $60 million in its infrastructure in Arizona and Washington. In Arizona, the Class I has budgeted $26.5 million to improve rail infrastructure. That sum includes $14.5 million to maintain track and $3.2 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key investments include $4.5 million…
Read MoreHouse passes two rail data security bills
(Source: American Journal of Transportation, April 11, 2018) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House overwhelmingly passed two bipartisan railroad data and information security bills: H.R. 4921, the “STB Information and Security Act,” and H.R. 4925, the “FRA Safety Data Improvement Act.” H.R. 4921, the “STB Information and Security Act,” is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell…
Read MoreNTSB cites fatigue for 2015 railroad fatality in New Mexico
(Source: National Transportation Safety Board press release, April 10, 2018) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board determined Tuesday a fatigued train conductor’s failure to properly line a switch is the probable cause for the April 28, 2015 collision of two Southwestern Railroad freight trains near Roswell, New Mexico. The engineer of the striking train…
Read MoreUP slates $38 million for New Mexico capex; advances intermodal plans for Port Walla Walla
(Source: Progressive Railroading 04/06/2018) Union Pacific Railroad has slated $38 million this year for capital expenditures in New Mexico. The Class I’s capital expenditure plans for the state include $15 million to replace 135,775 ties and install 92,220 tons of ballast between Tucumcari and Vaughn, and $4.8 million to replace 43,974 ties and install 22,440 tons…
Read More