Amtrak, CSX, NS, port settle Gulf Coast dispute
Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway and the Alabama State Port Authority have notified the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that they reached a settlement agreement over Amtrak’s proposal to restore passenger-rail service along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. The railroads and port authority plan to notify the board when the settlement terms have been met. Southern Rail Commission officials said the settlement is a positive sign for future passenger-rail in the southern United States [progressiverailroading.com]
Boston South Coast Rail on track for late 2023
The first phase of restoring South Coast Rail service between Boston and southeastern Massachusetts reached the halfway point this summer according to the MBTA. A recent MBTA/MassDOT fact sheet describes the Fall River Secondary Line as “approaching completion” and the longer Middleborough Secondary/New Bedford Main Line as “progressing.” The first phase of service restoration is expected by the end of 2023, [bostonherald.com]
Amtrak set for $1.5B Maryland NEC bridge proj
Amtrak plans to replace its 116-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge to “improve railroad efficiency on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).” The existing bridge’s 90-mph speed restriction limits train capacity and reliability. Maximum operating speeds on this section of the NEC typically range from 110-135 mph. The new two-track fixed-span bridges that will replace the existing double-track moveable bridge, along with five miles of additional track realignment and construction, will address this issue. [railwayage.com]
Holiday Nostalgia Train returns to NYC rails
Following a 2-year hiatus, MTA New York City Transit has announced the return of its annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides on the New York Transit Museum’s vintage fleet. In honor of the museum’s exhibit “Reign of the Redbirds,” the Holiday Nostalgia Train will feature the Train of Many Colors, which includes a selection cars from the 1960s. The festive train’s brightly painted cars represents several different eras in New York City subway history. [silive.com]
