A Union Pacific Railroad map is a valuable resource. The maps often show the route of the first Transcontinental Railroad or a modern version of the railroad. (CLICK ON THE MAP FOR A LARGER VERSION) This Union Pacific Railroad map features the UP as it appeared in 2013 and as illustrated by Trains‘ retired illustrator […]
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014’s trip through Louisiana in 2021
In August 2021, Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 ventured south to New Orleans, Louisiana, in a run through the mid-South. Join Trains contributor Steve Smedley as he takes video of the famed steam locomotive through small towns and over the massive Huey P. Long bridge. Only from Trains.com. […]
BNSF Railway Triple Track treat in Kansas
Trains Editor Jim Wrinn is on the road in Kansas, following BNSF Railway triple tracks and is treated with trains by the ton. Enjoy this exclusive rail fanning video, only from Trains.com! […]
Progress Rail to develop hydrogen locomotive as part of Caterpillar-Chevron collaboration
Progress Rail will be part of an agreement between Caterpillar and energy company Chevron to develop a hydrogen-powered locomotive demonstration project, along with hydrogen-powered demonstrations for other transportation and stationary power uses. Caterpillar and Chevron said the project’s goal is to show the feasibility and performance of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for line-haul rail […]
Top regulator urges railroads to focus on growth
CHICAGO — Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman stepped up his criticism of Class I railroads on Wednesday, saying the industry’s drive for ever-increasing profits resulted in a loss of market share to trucks over the past 15 years and is restraining growth today. Rail rates fell by 27% between 1985 and 2004, as […]
Search for new Purple Line contractor expected to take until December
HANOVER, Md. — Selection of a new contractor for Maryland’s much-delayed Purple Line light rail project is likely to occur in December, with a contract finalized by February — about five months later than had previously been projected. The Washington Post reports groups bidding to replace the previous contractor, which quit a year ago in […]
Hamilton, Ontario, council agrees to move ahead with light rail project
HAMILTON, Ontario — Hamilton city council members have approved a resolution agreeing to a C$3.4 billion light rail project, the CBC reports. The 11-3 vote means the city will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ontario government and Metrolinx, the province’s transit agency, to build the 8.7-mile line. While the council has to ratify […]
Cleveland shuts down rail transit line over bridge concerns
CLEVELAND — The Greater Cleveland Regional Transportation Authority has extended the shutdown of Waterfront Line rail service indefinitely over safety concerns related to a bridge on the route. The 2.2-mile line has been shut down since October 2020 for a track rehabilitation project, but an RTA statement says an inspection determined the structure needed four […]
Canadian Pacific CEO says talks with KCS are progressing
CHICAGO — Canadian Pacific’s merger negotiations with Kansas City Southern are progressing in the wake of last week’s regulatory decision that dealt a blow to the proposed Canadian National-KCS combination. “I believe, and I have high hopes, that we will come to a place when we finish these negotiations that we will be deemed superior,” […]
CN announces vaccination requirement for Canadian employees
MONTREAL — Canadian National has announced it will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees in Canada by Nov. 1. In a press release, the railroad says the policy will apply to employees, new hires, those at CN’s wholly owned subsidiaries, and “contractors, consultants, agents and suppliers, and anyone who accesses CN’s Canadian properties. Requests for medical […]
News photo: BNSF makes progress on second Sandpoint bridge
Much progress has been made on BNSF’s second bridge across Lake Pend Oreille outside Sandpoint, Idaho. Rolling through on the existing 4,769-foot bridge (completed by Northern Pacific in 1904) on Sept. 5th is train H-BARPAS, a Barstow, Calif., to Pasco, Wash., manifest that detoured via Denver due to wildfire damage on BNSF’s route in northern […]
UP restores additional service in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — Union Pacific reports additional service has been restored in the New Orleans area as of Tuesday, including the reopening of its Avondale, La., intermodal facility. Also restored are interchange with CSX and the New Orleans Public Belt; interchange with the New Orleans & Gulf Coast, a 32-mile short line spun off from […]
