Customs and Border Protection to introduce new rail cargo scanners at 12 key border crossings
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has announced a $46 million program to install new technology to inspect rail cargo at a dozen sites around the U.S. The new high energy scanners will us linear accelerators to generate X-rays from electricity rather than radioactive isotopes, producing images supporting faster and more secure inspections. “The high-quality images produced by the new rail cargo scanners will enhance CBP’s efforts to interdict stowaways, deadly narcotics, and other contraband while facilitating the flow of lawful trade,” William A. Ferrara, executive assistant commission of the CBP Office of Field Operations, said in a press release. The technology will be installed at Blaine, Wash.; Brownsville, Texas; Buffalo, N.Y.; Calexico, Calif.; Eagle Pass, Texas; Eastport, Idaho; El Paso, Texas (BNSF); El Paso, Texas (Union Pacific); International Falls/Ranier, MInn.; Nogales, Ariz.; Portal, N.D., and Rouses Point, N.Y. These locations account for approximately 60% of all rail cargo entering the U.S. Installation and testing of the new scanners is expected to begin this fall.
CN derailment in Pestum, Ill., blocks highway, forces Amtrak cancellations
Cleanup could take up to two weeks, and a highway will remain closed at least through today, after 17 cars of a northbound Canadian National train derailed near Pesotum, Ill., on Tuesday night. The Champaign News-Gazette reports the derailment occurred about 7:45 p.m., drawing a response from firefighters from four communities, a regional hazardous materials team, and three law-enforcement agencies. U.S. Route 45 remains closed, and Amtrak’s Saluki service between Chicago and Carbondale, Ill., was cancelled in both directions Wednesday and has had the northbound train cancelled Thursday. Pesotum is 14 miles south of Champaign.
CSX gravel cars derail in Augusta, Ga.
Fourteen cars of a CSX Transportation train derailed Tuesday night in Augusta, Ga., spilling gravel and blocking an adjacent roadway for several hours. The Augusta Chronicle reports the derailment occurred about 10 p.m. Tuesday, closing Riverwatch Parkway near Interstate 20 until Wednesday afternoon. A CSX spokeswoman said the train of two locomotives and 92 cars was working for Martin Marietta Inc.; the derailment occurred near a Martin Marietta quarry. No injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.
