CSX activates third train inspection portal near Waycross, Ga.

Train passes through shed-like structure over main line

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation has activated its third train inspection portal, the railroad said today (Tuesday, Feb. 28). The three inspection portals — which use advanced imaging and analysis technology — are all located on lines that radiate out from CSX’s yard at Waycross, Ga. “CSX strategically positioned the three TIPs near Waycross as […]

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FRA makes safety recommendations for hotbox detector warnings

Black cloud of smoke above town

WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration today encouraged railroads to improve the way they collect and use data from wayside hotbox detectors in order to prevent catastrophic derailments like the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern hazardous materials wreck in East Palestine, Ohio. “Preliminary investigation of recent train derailments indicates the cause of, or contributing factor to, […]

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Wabtec announces executive moves

Headshots of two men and one woman

PITTSBURGH — Wabtec has announced three changes in the company’s senior leadership positions, effective April 3. Pascal Schweitzer, who previously led the Global Freight Services business, will become president of Wabtec Transit, responsible for strategy and execution of the company’s transit products and services. He will be located in Paris. Lilian Leroux, who previously led […]

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University of Wisconsin School of Engineering to offer three rail courses

MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering will offer three rail courses as part of its Interdisciplinary Professional Programs. The upcoming courses are: — Fundamentals of Railroad Bridge Inspection, April 18-20, offered in person or online. Those taking part will learn about the inspector’s responsibilities, compliance with regulations, training requirements, and types […]

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Former Kansas City Southern CEO David Starling dies

Former Kansas City Southern CEO David Starling, who returned to the railway as its independent trustee as part of its proposed merger with Canadian Pacific, died on Feb. 24. Starling was 73. “On behalf of the entire Kansas City Southern family, we feel shock and profound sadness for the sudden loss of our former leader […]

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New coal company begins shipments in West Virginia

Overhead view of coal train

VOLGA, W.Va. — Allegheny Metallurgical Coal, a new company to be served by both CSX Transportation and Appalachian & Ohio, moved its first train of high-grade metallurgical coal earlier this month. The company, located along U.S. Route 119 between Buckhannon, in Upshur County, and Philippi, in Barbour County, moved the first train Feb. 8. Its […]

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SEPTA approves contract for final design of King of Prussia Rail

Map of rail line into King of Prussia, Pa.

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has awarded a $125 million contract for the final design phase of the King of Prussia Rail project. SEPTA awarded the contract to HNTB Corp. at its Feb. 23 board meeting. The project will add a 4-mile, five-station spur to the Norristown High Speed Line near its northern […]

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BNSF Railway earnings decline as traffic falls and costs rise

Train with orange locomotives rounds curve

OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway’s pre-tax earnings declined 1.9% in 2022 due to a combination of lower volume and higher costs, the railroad’s parent company, Berkshire Hathaway, reported on Saturday. BNSF’s revenue was up 11.9% for the year, to $25.2 billion, reflecting an 18.9% increase in average revenue per car/unit, including the impact from higher […]

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