MBTA continues progress on track improvements with Red Line project

Maintenance crew working in tunnels of transit system

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s latest extended maintenance shutdown led to the elimination of nine speed restrictions — two more than originally planned — on the rapid-transit Red Line, the MBTA said on Tuesday. The work was conducted between Alewife and Kendall/MIT July 12 and 15-26; from Alewife to JFK/UMass July 13-14 and […]

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Southwest Chief again disrupted by freight derailment (updated)

Amtrak logo.

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is once again facing cancellations on the central portion of its route because of a freight train derailment, according to the Amtrak Alerts feed on X.com. The westbound train that departed Chicago today will be canceled between Kansas City and Albuquerque, with no alternate transportation provided, while the eastbound train that left […]

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Amtrak abruptly cancels Chicago-Quincy round trip for a week

Passenger train with four cars passing through yard area

CHICAGO — Amtrak has cancelled one of two daily round trips between Chicago and Quincy, Ill., as of today (Thursday, July 30) and at least through Wednesday, Aug. 7. So far, the only acknowledgement on Amtrak’s website is that the affected Carl Sandburg trains during the period are shown as “sold out.” Amtrak spokesman Marc […]

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Justice Department sues Norfolk Southern over Amtrak delays

Passenger train approaches curve with freight train on adjacent track

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department is taking Norfolk Southern to court, alleging the railroad’s delays of Amtrak’s Crescent violate federal law. The civil complaint, filed today (July 30) in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges NS regularly fails to give the Crescent preference over freight trains as required by statute, leading […]

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Union Pacific intermodal train derails in Iowa

Stack of derailed containers and intermodal cars in field

GLIDDEN, Iowa — An estimated 36 cars of a Union Pacific intermodal train derailed Monday evening about a mile east of Glidden, Carroll Broadcasting reports on its website. No injuries were reported, and no hazardous materials were involved, a Union Pacific spokesman told the radio stations. The derailment occurred about 5 p.m., blocking both grade […]

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Amtrak begins management of Washington Union Station

People standing in line in hallway of railroad station

WASHINGTON — Amtrak on Monday announced plans for renovations and operational improvements at Washington Union Station as a result of a court ruling granting it control of the station. As of Monday, July 29, the passenger rail company is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the station, and said it will immediately initiate […]

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SunRail sets Aug. 12 for start of service to DeLand

SunRail_logo

DeLAND, Fla. — Orlando-area commuter service SunRail will begin operations on its new 12-mile northern extension to DeLand on Monday, Aug. 12, the operator has announced. The station, at 2491 Old New York Avenue, is also served by Amtrak’s Silver Meteor and Silver Star. It hosted the first of two open-house events to familiarize prospective […]

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Repairs completed after attacks on French TGV network

High speed train in countryside

PARIS — French national rail operator SNCF reported it has completed repairs from Friday’s series of infrastructure tracks, with the high-speed TGV lines operating as planned today (Sunday, July 28) and full service anticipated for Monday. Fiber-optic cables used for system used for signals and switches were cut or damaged in arson attacks at three […]

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