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 […]

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N&W No. 611 to return to Strasburg Rail Road

Streamlined steam locomotive

ROANOKE, Va.  — Norfolk & Western Class J 4-8-4 No. 611 will again return to Pennsylvania’s Strasburg Rail Road for excursions and other special events, the Virginia Museum of Transportation and Strasburg have announced. The Strasburg visit will begin later this month and continue through October 2021. Events will include opportunities to ride behind the […]

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Digest: Conrail names Gorton as president, COO

Head shot of man

Brian Gorton named as Conrail president, chief operating officer Conrail has named Brian E. Gorton as its president and chief operating officer, succeeding the retired Timothy Tierney. The move, announced Thursday, was effective April 19. Gorton, who began his railroad career as a conductor for Conrail in 1987, was most recently the general manager of […]

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Canadian National plans major upgrade to IC-KCS route to Kansas City

Freight train curves through town behind depot

MONTREAL – As part of its proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern, Canadian National envisions spending $250 million to create an upgraded route linking Kansas City, Mo., with Eastern Canada via Springfield, Ill. The big prize in a CN-KCS merger is connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. But the combined CN-KCS route to Kansas City would […]

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Digest: LA Metro releases $8 billion budget for fiscal 2022

LA Metro light rail train on curving bridge

LA Metro budget will restore service to pre-pandemic levels LA Metro has released an $8 billion budget for fiscal 2022 including restoration of rail and bus service to pre-pandemic levels and the start of testing for two projects: the 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX light rail line, also known as the K line, and the 1.9-mile Regional Connector, […]

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Digest: Pioneer Railcorp changes name to Pioneer Lines

Pioneer Lines Logo

Short line company Pioneer Railcorp becomes Pioneer Lines Holding company Pioneer Railcorp, which operates 15 railroads in 12 states as well as related services such as transloading and storage, has changed its name to Pioneer Lines. The change comes as the company marks 35 years in business, and two years after it was acquired by […]

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