Delays in start of Gateway project push cost to $11.6 billion
Ongoing delays in beginning the Gateway tunnel project on the Northeast Corridor have pushed the estimated cost of tunnels under the Hudson river to $11.6 billion, a $300 million increase over the previous estimate. NJ.com reports Frank Sacr, interim executive director of the Gateway Development Corp., delivered that estimate during last week’s first meeting of the new seven-member, bi-state Gateway Development Commission. The increase comes as a draft environmental plan for the project continues to await federal approval, almost three years after the deadline set by the Federal Transit Administration.
RailPulse telematics effort awards first contract
RailPulse, the multi-company effort to bring telematics to the North American railcar fleet, has awarded Princeton Consultants a contract to develop the design of its new technology, including platform design and setting of standards. RailPulse, formed by Norfolk Southern, GATX Corp., Genesee & Wyoming, TrinityRail, and Watco, seeks to provide real-time carload tracing, addressing a major disadvantage shipping by rail faces in comparison to trucks [see “Norfolk Southern, partners tout RailPulse …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 20, 2020]. Initial design work began in February, with a rollout of the RailPulse platform expected by the end of 2022.
Illinois high speed rail bill advances out of committee
An Illinois bill to create a high speed rail commission has advanced out of committee for a vote on the floor of the state House of Representatives. Capitol News Illinois reports HB 399, sponsored by Rep. Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), was approved by a 13-0 transportation committee vote. It would create a statewide plan for high speed rail line connecting Chicago and St. Louis, including existing Amtrak and Metra service as feeder lines. The commission would be required to conduct a ridership study and make recommendations for the frequency of service and implementation.
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