GATINEAU, Quebec — A hi-rail vehicle parked outside the area specified in its track occupancy permit — reflecting miscommunication between the vehicle’s driver and the rail traffic controller, as well as the driver’s inexperience in requesting such permits — led to a Canadian National train striking the vehicle in a Nov. 28, 2020, accident near […]
WASHINGTON — The independent body that oversees DC Metrorail safety issues has indicated reservations about the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s plan to restore automated operation of Metrorail trains, which was disengaged following a fatal collision in 2009. The Washington Post reports the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission says it will work with WMATA on the […]
WASHINGTON — Union Pacific’s increasing reliance on embargoes to clear congestion came under fire on Tuesday from shippers, labor unions, and members of the Surface Transportation Board during a daylong hearing. Regulators last month ordered UP to explain why it has significantly increased its use of embargoes. With UP running short of train crews, the […]
MINOT, N.D. — With winter storm warnings in effect across the northern plains from a windy, frigid blast that has already barreled through the Sierra Nevada and Colorado mountains, there is always the possibility that service on Amtrak’s long-distance network will be disrupted. As was the case during a blizzard last month [“Westbound Empire Builder […]
Cody is joined by Hal Miller, editor of Classic Toy Trains, to discuss the optimal configuration for power and controls in model railroading, and technological advancements in this field model railroad enthusiasts can expect to see soon. Are you looking to learn more about your model railroad, or do you have questions about full-size trains? […]
BESSEMER, Ala. — A Norfolk Southern conductor trainee was killed early this morning (Tuesday, Dec. 13) in what is being described as a freak accident, Al.com reports. Bessemer police report they were called to the accident scene about 1 a.m. The trainee and conductor were on a train when it passed another NS train. One […]
NEW ORLEANS — The state of Louisiana, Port of New Orleans, and two major maritime firms on Monday announced plans for the Louisiana International Terminal, a $1.8 billion container facility to be built in Violet, La., on the lower Mississippi River. The project announced by Gov. John Bel Edwards is expected to handle 180,00 to […]
SEATTLE — Sound Transit’s East Link light rail line to Redmond, Wash. — which had been slated to open next year — may not be fully completed until 2025. The transit agency will consider opening a portion of the line in 2024 at an upcoming board meeting. But the delay in opening the East Link […]
RANDOLPH, N.H. — A hiker who fell to his death off the summit of Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch on Saturday, Dec. 10, has been identified as a longtime employee of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. WMUR-TV reports that New Hampshire Fish and Game officials on Monday identified the victim as Joseph “Eggy” Eggleston, 53, […]
BISMARCK, N.D. — BNSF Railway’s plans to replace a more than century-old bridge across the Missouri River took another step forward Monday, while a preservation group’s effort to stop the bridge project sustained another setback. The Bismarck Tribune reports the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality issued the water quality certification necessary for BNSF to […]
SISSETON, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposed state budget includes $6.25 million to help upgrade the Sisseton-Milbank Railroad, a 37-mile line serving a grain elevator which has deteriorated to the point that traffic can only creep along at 5 mph or less, and averages about one derailment a year. The Mitchell Republic reports […]
NEWARK, N.J. — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has issued a Request for Qualifications for a 2.5-mile elevated train system to replace the current Newark AirTrain. This is the Port Authority’s second attempt to advance the project, approved by Federal Aviation Administration last year [see “Newark AirTrain project gets federal environmental […]
