NS reaches settlement with OSHA, union over safety at East Palestine site

Aerial view of two railroad tracks and soil removal work

CLEVELAND — Norfolk Southern has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the union representing maintenance-of-way employees to improve safety at the site of the Feb. 3 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, according to a Wednesday OSHA announcement. The settlement stems from OSHA enforcement inspections that began in March to […]

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New rules coming for Stuart, Fla., rail drawbridge

Freight train with two locomotives and LNG tender crossing bridge

STUART, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard plans to issue revised rules governing the Florida East Coast Railway drawbridge over the St. Lucie River in Stuart on Friday, Aug. 11, WQCS Radio reports — but details on those revisions are not yet public. Operating rules for the bridge are a key concern for Brightline as […]

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FRA report: Norfolk Southern safety improving, but gaps remain

Aerial view of burning freight cars

WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern’s commitment to safety has improved since the disastrous Feb. 3 hazardous materials derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the Federal Railroad Administration said in a report released today. But the FRA’s 143-page supplemental safety culture assessment also found that NS often focuses on meeting minimum safety standards, has inadequate communications procedures, inconsistent […]

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Workers approve contract at National Steel Car, ending 41-day strike

Two men walk across railroad tracks at manufacturing facility

HAMILTON, Ontario — Workers at railcar builder National Steel Car have approved a new contract, ending a 41-day strike by 1,475 members of the United Steelworkers. In a Tuesday vote, 87.4% of the members of Local 7135 approved the three-year agreement, which includes a 13% wage increase over the life of the contract, with 6% […]

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West Virginia tourist railroads you must visit

Black steam locomotive under plume of smoke at front right of image, passing through green mountains extending into the distance

The history of railroading in West Virginia is as rich as the state’s coal unearthed from deep within the Appalachian Mountains. While West Virginia might not have as many tourist railroads and museums as other states, the ones that are located in the Mountain State are considered unique with experiences that’ll rival the best. From […]

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C&O Historical Society begins fundraising to restore office car Chessie 29 to operation

End view of private car looking in through open door

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society has begun a fundraising campaign to return historic C&O office car Chessie 29 to operation, organization president Mark Totten has announced. The society will sell a custom, limited-edition, 11-by-17-inch poster of the car from Base Camp Printing of Charleston, W.Va., to fund the hiring of […]

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Minnesota tourist railroads you must visit

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From the Twin Cities to the Twin Ports, Minnesota’s tourist railroads, museums, and displays preserve a vast history of iron and steel that crisscrossed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” With help from Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, let’s explore the Gopher State’s must-visits. Minnesota Tourist Railroads and Museums Minneapolis-St. Paul Minnesota Transportation Museum – 193 […]

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Alstom to build 60 new passenger cars for Connecticut

Rendering of commuter rail cab car with black and red graphics

HARTFORD, Conn. — Alstom will build 60 new coaches for Connecticut commuter rail service, Gov. Ned Lamont announced today. Delivery of the first cars under the $315 million contract is expected in 2026. The cars are intended for use on the Hartford Line as well as New Haven Line branches. “Having a modernized transit system […]

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Amtrak working with Texas Central to ‘explore opportunities’ for Dallas-Houston high speed rail

Illustration of high speed train at station

WASHINGTON — Amtrak is working with Texas Central on efforts to determine the viability of the Texas company’s planned high-speed service between Dallas and Houston, and the two entities have submitted applications for federal grants for study and design work, Amtrak announced in a press release today. “If we are going to add more high-speed […]

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Wisconsin tourist railroads you must visit

Diesel locomotive and heavyweight passenger cars

Wisconsin is home to some of the most unique railroading equipment you can find. Who knew?! From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, here are the must-visit tourist railroads, museums, and displays across the Badger State! Wisconsin Tourist Railroads and Museums Northeast Wisconsin Lumberjack Steam Train – 5068 US Highway 8, Laona Longing for the days […]

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Analysis: At Union Pacific, Vena the CEO will be different than Vena the COO

For clues about where incoming CEO Jim Vena may take Union Pacific, look at where he wanted to take Canadian National. You may recall that in late 2021 activist investor TCI Fund Management touted Vena as a replacement for CN CEO JJ Ruest. Vena, who rose through the ranks to become chief operating officer during […]

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