New England Valley Flyer train made permanent
MassDOT has announced that Amtrak’s Valley Flyer Passenger Service will become permanent fixture in south-central New England. It will offer a seven day-a-week service between Greenfield, Massachusetts and New Haven, Connecticut. The Valley Flyer service, which has been operating as a pilot program, is on track to provide 24,000 annual trips for next year. The service will ease travel between western Massachusetts, central Connecticut, and New York City. [wwlp.com]
Safety concerns halt LA Purple Line construction
LA Metro has halted construction for two weeks on the second phase of the Purple Line subway extension under Wilshire Boulevard citing numerous injuries and safety concerns.. In a letter to contractor Tutor Perini O&G (TPOG), Metro officials cited dozens of injuries since July 2021, including falls from ladders, lacerated and crushed fingers, and falling pipes and hoses. In order for the work suspension to be lifted, TPOG will be required to evaluate past incidents and prepare a revised safety plan. [dailynews.com]
Honolulu rail to open despite structural defects
Officials are trying to open the first leg of Honolulu’s long-delayed rail project in the coming months. But there’s still concern over the concrete that supports the line. A crucial piece of that is making sure the issue of the cracks on the hammerhead structures are resolved. While noting that “engineering reports have not yet been finalized,” a new report issued by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) states that “the designed strength of the hammerhead structures is acceptable.” [hawaiinewsnow.com]
NEC bridge replacement process to start in 2023
Amtrak will begin contractor procurement for construction of a new Connecticut River Bridge in 2023. The bridge, which is part of a more than $500 million investment by Amtrak, CTDOT, and the FRA, will be delivered using the design-bid-build delivery method. Amtrak expects to award a contract in late 2023 with construction expected to start in early 2024. Replacement of the 115-year-old bridge will decrease delays and improve reliability for rail travel along the Northeast Corridor. [masstransitmag.com]
Instability forces California high-speed rail reboot
After determining that it’s not in the state’s best interest to extend the time for track and systems procurement in its current form, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) will let it expire and restructure it to better respond to current market instability. The authority will immediately begin work to restructure the delivery model for elements like track, signaling, electrification, and operations control. CHSRA expects to rebid the procurement(s) in 2023 emphasizing competition, pricing, and scheduling. [rtands.com]
New York MTA orders additional subway cars
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved an order for Kawasaki Rail Car to supply 640 more subway cars from early 2025 for use on the A and C lines and the Staten Island Railway. The order was placed as an option on a 2018 contract which included a $1.4bn base order for 535 cars with options for up to 1077 for a total value of $3.7bn. The order now stands at 1175 cars. The first cars were delivered in 2021, and testing is underway with service expected by spring 2023. [railwaygazette.com]
