Tuesday morning rail news:
Norfolk, Va., port receives $20 million for rail expansion project
The Virginia Port Authority will receive $20.2 million in Port Infrastructure Development funding from the U.S.Department of Transportation to complete rail expansion at its Norfolk International Terminals. The Suffolk News Herald reports the money will support building two new four-track sections for its rail yard, adding more than 2 miles of track. The project will also include a working area for transferring and staging containers.The project will double the capacity of the existing yard, currently 368,000 containers annually,and is projected to generate $112.1 million in total economic benefits.
Parsons receives contract for Metrolink project
Engineering firm Parsons has been selected as one of five firms for a three-year, $50 million contract to plan for expansion, rehabilitation, and state-of-good-repair projects for LA’s Metrolink commuter rail system. “With deep roots in California, Parsons will utilize our extensive expertise in railroad project management, design, and construction management to support SCRRA as they expand and improve their system to better connect riders to the community,” Tom Topolski, Parsons executive vice president, connected communities market, said in a press release.
Dunsmuir group seeks funds to restore SP steam locomotive
A Dunsmuir, Calif., group has launched a fundraising effort to restore a Southern Pacific steam locomotive displayed since its 1956 donation to the city by the railroad. KRCR-TV reports the Friends of 1727 have so far raised $10,000 of the $50,000 sought to refurbish the Class M-6 2-6-0 Mogul locomotive built by Baldwin in 1902, and improve its display location, including new fencing and landscaping. More information is available at the group’s website.
