Digest: UP bridge in Oregon damaged by fire

Burning bridge

Union Pacific bridge sustains moderate damage, but remains in service after fire A Union Pacific Railroad bridge in Springfield, Ore., suffered moderate damage in a fire early Monday morning, although the railroad is able to continue operations over the bridge at reduced speed. The Eugene Register-Guard reports firefighters from the Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded […]

Read More…

Digest: Beech Grove fire intentionally set, investigators say

Buildings on fire next to Amtrak locomotive

Investigators say Beech Grove shops fire was intentionally set A fire that destroyed two storage sheds at Amtrak’s Beech Grove, Ind., Heavy Maintenance Facility appears to have been intentionally set, according to investigators. WXIN-TV reports James Pierce, operations chief for the Beech Grove Fire Department, notes the two buildings that burned and collapsed were not […]

Read More…

Union Pacific says autonomous trains are the answer to driverless trucks

Semi truck on highway

OMAHA, Neb. — How can railroads compete with autonomous or electric trucks that would dramatically reduce the cost of trucking? “Ultimately, our answer to autonomous trucks is autonomous trains,” Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz says. A first step toward automation is reducing crew size where feasible, Fritz said during the railroad’s investor day Tuesday. UP […]

Read More…

Union Pacific sees battery-electric locomotives as the future

Yellow diesel brings train in to junction

OMAHA, Neb. — With a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 26% by the end of the decade, Union Pacific is working to improve locomotive fuel efficiency, plans to roll out battery-electric locomotives soon, and is exploring alternatives to the diesel-electric. “We do not plan on buying any new locomotives — unless it’s battery-electric locomotives […]

Read More…

Union Pacific sees volume growth over next three years

Three locomotives under cloudy skies

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific is primed for volume growth due to service and cost improvements, a new approach to sales and marketing, and the ongoing rollout of new technology that makes it easier for customers to do business with the railroad. UP executives outlined their growth plans for the next three years during a […]

Read More…

Digest: Woman’s petition seeks to have CP move Iowa rail yard

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

Citing blocked crossings, Iowa woman seeks to have CP move rail yard An Ottumwa, Iowa, woman has started a petition asking Canadian Pacific to move its railroad yard in the community because of blocked grade crossings that result nearby. KYOU-TV reports Trisha Rea, who works near the intersection of Blackhawk Road and North Quincy Avenue, […]

Read More…

Digest: Senators introduce bill to provide $2.5 billion for grade-crossing improvements

Passenger train on straight track

Senators’ legislation would provide $500 million annually for grade-crossing separation, other improvements U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roy Blunt (R.-Mo.) have introduced legislation to provide $2.5 billion — $500 million annually for five years — for grade-crossing separation projects and other track relocation projects to improve safety or reduce congestion. “Too many people are […]

Read More…

News and Analysis: Colorado commission advances Front Range plans

Electrified commuter train at station platform

DENVER – The last vestige of north-south passenger trains serving the Mile-High City disappeared 50 years ago when Santa Fe’s ragamuffin round trip to the east-west main line at La Junta, Colo., didn’t transition to Amtrak. But work is well under way to change that. The Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is […]

Read More…