Swiss Spectacular, Part 9: Bernina and beyond

Stone viaduct seen through train windows

ZERMATT, Switzerland — The last couple of days on the Trains/Special Interest Tours “Majestic Switzerland” tour have been long but memorable, so it’s going to take a bit of time to catch up. Today, let’s look back on our activity from Saturday, Sept. 16: If you built a model railroad with track like the route […]

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Safety consultant identifies ways Norfolk Southern can improve

ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern’s independent safety consultant has made 11 recommendations the railroad should follow in order to improve its safety culture. Atkins Nuclear Secured, in its first report since being hired in May to assess the railroad’s safety efforts in the wake of the disastrous Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, says NS […]

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A lengthy UAW strike would curb railroads’ US auto volumes

UAW strike A potential United Auto Workers strike against the Big Three automakers would put a dent in railroads’ motor vehicle and parts volume – the traffic segment that’s shown the most growth this year as overall rail volume has declined. The UAW has set a midnight deadline tonight for a strike at Ford, GM, […]

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CSX, NS cited for 99 bridge, property violations

Norfolk Southern train crossing lift bridge. CSX, NS cited for 99 bridge, property violations.

CLEVELAND – The city handed CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern 99 first-degree misdemeanor violations for falling concrete, high weeds, and graffiti issues on railroad-owned bridges and other property within the city, reports WEWS-TV. Cleveland residents have complained about the railroad property conditions previously to the point that Justin Bibb, Cleveland mayor, asked residents to report […]

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Hudson River rail tunnel project starts … again

Train running through a tunnel. Hudson River rail tunnel project starts … again

NEW YORK — Following a 13-year delay, it appears construction will begin in October on the initial steps leading to a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to Midtown Manhattan, according to a story in the New York Times.  The Gateway Program, which will address infrastructure needs on 10-miles of the Northeast Corridor, is […]

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Amtrak awards two contracts for Frederick Douglass Tunnel project

An Amtrak Acela train exits a tunnel in a mountainside. Amtrak awards two contract for Frederick Douglass Tunnel project.

BALTIMORE – Clark Construction/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture has been selected by Amtrak as the construction contractor for the Southern Approach Package (package B) of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, according to an Amtrak news release. This is one of three major contracts to be awarded in work on the tunnel project. The Frederick Douglass […]

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