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#CPKC recognizes shippers for safe operating behaviour and sharing our commitment to protecting our employees, environment and communities. https://t.co/OTf5RXPrDI pic.twitter.com/8gn2QLU9ZO

CPKC on Dec. 17 reported that 80 shippers have earned its 2024  Safe Shipper Award for their achievement of “incident-free movement of at least 500 carloads of hazardous materials (non-intermodal) on CPKC lines, with zero Non-Accidental Releases (NARs) over the past year.” This distinction, the railroad said, “highlights the collaborative investments made in training, technology, and process improvements.” The recipients span multiple sectors including chemicals, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

In 2024, for the second consecutive year, CPKC said it has “led Class I railroads with the lowest FRA-reportable train accident frequency, extending the legacy of its predecessor, Canadian Pacific, which held top industry safety marks for 17 straight years.”

“Safety is the foundation of everything we do at CPKC, and our Safe Shipper Award represents that commitment—not only for our railroad but for the dedicated shippers who share our vision,” CPKC Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing Coby Bullard said. “These award-winning shippers set an example by demonstrating that operational excellence and rigorous safety standards can—and must—go hand in hand.”

And the CPKC honorees for 2024 are:

• Afton Chemical
• Altagas Extraction & Transmission LP
• Arkema
• Aux Sable Liquid Products LP
• BASF
• Harvestone Low Carbon Partners
• Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP
• Celanese
• Cenovus Energy Inc
• Centennial Energy LLC
• Canadian Fertilizers Limited
• Chemtrade Logistics Inc
• Chevron Phillips Chemical
• Covestro LLC
• Dow Chemical Co
• Eagle Mine LLC
• Erco Worldwide
• Evonik Corporation
• Factor Gas Liquids Inc
• Flint Hills Resources
• Gibson Energy Inc
• Global Companies LLC
• Grain Processing Corporation
• Granite Falls Energy LLC
• Greenfield Global (two awards)
• ICEC, HJ Baker Sulphur Canada ULC
• Hunt Refining Co
• Indorama Ventures
• Ineos Olefins & Polymers USA
• Ineos Styrolution America LLC
• International Raw Materials Ltd
• Irving Oil Ltd
• Jefferson Energy Railport Terminals
• JR Simplot Co
• Keyera Corp.
• Kiros Energy Marketing ULC
• Koch Fertilizer LLC
• Lotte Chemical Louisiana LLC
• LSB Chemical LLC
• LyondellBassell
• Martin Operating Partnership LP
• Maverick Petroleum Inc
• Messer LLC
• Methanex Corporation
• Midstream Energy Partners
• Montana Resources LLP
• NGL Supply Company Ltd
• Nouryon Chemicals LLC
• Occidental Chemical Corporation
• Olin Corporation
• Orica Canada Inc (two awards)
• PBF Holding Company LLC
• Pembina Resources Services Canada
• Phillips 66 Co
• Pieridae Alberta Production Ltd
• Plains Midstream Canada ULC
• POET Biorefining LLC
• Ray Energy Corp
• Reagent Chemical & Research Inc
• Redfield Energy LLC
• Reliant Gases Ltd
• Renewable Products Marketing Group LLC
• Robinson Nevada Mining Company
• Sasol Chemicals (USA) LLC
• Shintech Inc
• SM Energy Co
• Strathcona Resources Ltd
• Superior Gas Liquids
• SWN Midstream Services Company
• The Andersons Inc.
• TotalEnergies Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc.
• Trafigura Trading LLC
• US Development Group LLC
• USA Rail Terminals LP
• Vale Canada Ltd
• Valero Energy Inc
• Westlake Corporation
• Wildcat Midstream Ltd Partnership

In related developments, earlier this year BNSF recognized 99 customers as Product Stewardship Award honorees for 2024; CN recognized 213 shippers with Safe Handling Awards for 2024; and UP honored 147 chemical shippers for their dedication and commitment to safety with 2024 Pinnacle Awards.

UP on Dec. 17 reported that the master-planned Mainline Texas Industrial Park is under development along its main line just outside Houston. With direct access to U.S. 90, Highway 36, Spur 10, and Interstate 69, the railroad said it will offer customers “seamless transportation across the region’s major population centers and international gateways in Laredo, Eagle Pass and El Paso.”

The park includes 1,300 acres of rail-served land and 700 acres for non-rail industrial and commercial uses, with the potential for more than 20 million square feet of Class A development. It also features railcar storage, on-site water and wastewater systems, regional drainage, and access to high-capacity gas infrastructure, according to UP.

“We’re excited about the new growth opportunities this park opens up for our customers,” UP Executive Vice President–Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker said. “It’s near the state’s largest concentration of people, industry and commerce, and allows customers to reach more than 25 million consumers within a 250-mile radius. That’s real growth potential and another example of how we are planning into the future with our customers.”

The Laredo Gateway Industrial Railway, LLC, a non-carrier subsidiary of Kraus Development, earlier this month petitioned the Surface Transportation Board for an exemption from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. §10901 to construct an approximately 2.6-mile (13,707-foot) common carrier rail line in Webb County, Tex. It would extend from UP’s Laredo Subdivision in Texas and terminate within the new Gateway Industrial Park.

The post Class I Briefs: CPKC, UP appeared first on Railway Age.

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has named Matt Carne, Senior Manager, Safety & Training, Modesto & Empire Traction Company, as its 2026 Safety Professional of the Year, and Joe Wilcox, Conductor and Engineer, Watco, as its 2026 Safety Person of the Year. Nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of industry safety experts, the annual awards “recognize two individuals for their significant and consistent dedication to operating safely.”

The Safety Professional of the Year honors a safety management employee of an ASLRRA Class II or Class III member railroad who is responsible for safety programs, training and the overall management of safe behavior and actions on their railroad(s).

The Safety Person of the Year Award recognizes an employee of an ASLRRA Class II or Class III member railroad who works with management on effective safety programs and exhibits a high degree of safety awareness.

“Safety is the one non-negotiable in the short line railroad industry. While short lines are known for always getting to yes, delivering for customers, and growing local economies, an unrelenting focus on safety underpins everything they do,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. “ASLRRA’s Safety Person and Safety Professional Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond what is required to bring every railroader home safely every night – they are prestigious honors in the industry and are extraordinarily meaningful to the recipients. I’m looking forward to recognizing Matt Carne as the 2026 Safety Professional of the Year, and Joe Wilcox as the 2026 Safety Person of the Year at our upcoming Annual Conference & Exhibition.”

The winners will be recognized at the General Session on Monday, April 13 at the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition April 12-14, in Minneapolis, Minn.

As a leader in safety at Modesto & Empire Traction Company (MET), Carne has built a culture of openness where close-call reports are encouraged and discussed to emphasize a proactive approach to safety concerns. As a former teacher and high school coach, Carne recognizes the importance of education to improving safety. He leads educational initiatives for a variety of participants to bolster safety knowledge at MET and beyond. This includes inviting regulators and the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) to provide on-site training to MET employees.

“Matt inspires a unified commitment to safety excellence,” writes MET Vice President of Rail Operations Jared Martin. “His approach brings people together with purpose, clarity, and shared pride in achieving safety milestones. He demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for all employees. Matt’s positive attitude, even in the face of difficult safety enforcement, helps foster a culture where safety is embraced rather than resisted.”

Carne’s efforts have helped the railroad experience measurable safety achievements, including zero regulatory violations across 16 separate inspections in 2025.

On paper, ASLRRA Safety Person of the Year Joe Wilcox’s eight years in the railroad industry make him a relative newcomer. But on the job, Wilcox brings the focus, insight and leadership of a senior team member, the association noted.

As a conductor and engineer at Watco’s industrial switching operation in Plaquemine, La., Wilcox is known for his active participation. He always comes to meetings prepared and ready to contribute, offering up relevant safety-related topics for discussion and providing valuable insight that enhances his colleagues’ understanding and awareness of safety alerts or the rule of the week. He also promotes a culture of safety within his department. Wilcox’s eye for safety and keen awareness make him a highly trusted evaluator of newer team members. While it is not part of his regular workplace responsibilities, Wilcox provides detailed and timely evaluations of student conductors to help those in management determine whether a student is ready to become a certified conductor.

This safety awareness is not limited to meeting rooms and training scenarios. Wilcox has identified several near misses that have resulted in team members implementing crucial preventative safety measures.

“Joe has built a reputation as a dedicated leader on his shift. His leadership is grounded in discipline, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose,” said Watco Director Safety Randy Burington. “Whether at work, at home or in service to his community, he brings passion, drive and heart to everything he does.”

“Congratulations to our Safety Professional of the Year Award winner Matt Carne of Modesto & Empire Traction Company and Safety Person of the Year Award winner Joe Wilcox of Watco,” ASLRRA wrote in an X post. “Matt and Joe have each demonstrated significant contributions and consistent dedication to safe operations on their railroads. We’re excited to honor them both at our Annual Conference in April.”

The post ASLRRA Honors Carne, Wilcox for Outstanding Safety Leadership appeared first on Railway Age.

Mexico’s Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF) has awarded Alstom a contract worth around $1 billion to supply and maintain 47 DMUs for the government’s program to restore long-distance passenger services. The new fleet will be deployed on the Mexico City – Querétaro, Querétaro – Irapuato and Saltillo – Nuevo Laredo lines.

The largest passenger rolling stock order placed in Mexico in recent years will see Alstom’s local Ciudad Sahagún facility manufacture 14 commuter and 33 inter-city trains. The commuter trains will accommodate 700 passengers, with seating for 315. The intercity variant will have 265 seats, with passenger amenities including power sockets and USB charging ports at each seat. The new fleet will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System).

The contract also covers the provision of comprehensive support services, including a $33.9 million package to design and supervise the construction of train inspection facilities, as well as to design and equip two maintenance depots for $39.9 million each. Fleet maintenance will be undertaken over five years for $139.3 million, including consumables, supply of qualified personnel, technical documentation and tools. The contract runs until December 2032.

During the tender, Alstom achieved the highest combined score of 83.78 points out of 100, despite scoring lower on technical evaluation than its main competitor. The company scored a maximum 35 out of 35 for its economic proposal, which proved decisive.

CAF finished second with 81.29 points overall and submitted a higher bid of $1.23 billion. The bid submitted by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive in joint venture with Mexico Railway Transportation Equipment was deemed non-compliant, scoring only 41.43 technical points.

Chinese interest in the Mexican market has also been demonstrated by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive successfully bidding for separate contract to supply 15 EMUs, awarded for $296 million in September. They will operate on the new line connecting Mexico City with Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Pachuca.

The Alstom plant at Ciudad Sahagún has built 42 X’Trapolis DMUs and bi-mode trains under the $1.85 billion fleet and railway systems contract for the Mayan Train project, awarded by the Mexican government for $1.84 billion in May 2021. The contract includes fleet maintenance.

An in-depth feature on the Mexico’s passenger revival program will appear in the January issue of IRJ.

• Gulf of Mexico Train Project Construction Begins
• Reports: Mayan Train Freight Terminal Coming to Cancun
• Wi-Tronix Teams With Tren Maya
• Mexico Moving on Passenger Rail Revival
• Mexico’s Outgoing President Announces Completion of Mayan Train Project

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The non-profit that owns and maintains a historic Great Northern Railway depot in Whitefish, Mont., which is still used today by BNSF Railway and Amtrak, says the structure will soon need a new roof. The Stumptown Historical Society is currently raising funds to pay for that, along with other necessary improvements to the building. 

Finished in 1928, the Tudor-style building has been the headquarters for GN and later BNSF’s Montana Division for many years, and it’s also the busiest station for the Empire Builder in Montana. The building was designed to mimic Swiss-like architecture found in nearby Glacier National Park, part of GN’s effort in the early 20th century to encourage passengers to “See America First” (and ride their trains). 

The station was sold to the Stumptown Historical Society in 1990, but portions of it are still leased to the railroads. A museum was also opened in the early 1990s. While payments from BNSF and Amtrak have helped the nonprofit maintain the station over the years, Executive Director Jill Evans said rising costs now require them to seek community support. Earlier this year, the nonprofit hosted a “Sock Hop Fundraiser” to start its fundraising efforts. She anticipates more events in the future. Donations can be made on site or online at stumptownhistoricalsociety.org.

“This is about more than just replacing the roof,” she said. “This is also about building relationships with the community again to help us in the future … We want to get the town of Whitefish in our corner again.”

—Justin Franz

The post Historic Great Northern Depot Needs New Roof appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

The law, according to the governor’s office, “will redefine how transit operates in Illinois, giving NITA expanded authority over service planning, capital projects, fare collection, and operational oversight, all while addressing the fiscal cliff that threatened the reliability and long-term stability of the state’s transit systems. These improvements extend beyond riders, as better transit expands job access, creates cleaner air, lowers congestion, and supports economic development.” According to Argonne National Lab, each dollar invested in transit generates $13 in economic activity, highlighting the far-reaching impact of these investments, Gov. Pritzker noted.

“The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act is designed to modernize Illinois’ transit systems—from the far northern reaches of our state to East and West Central Illinois, to Southern Illinois,” said Gov. Pritzker. “We are bolstering operations and upgrading trains, tracks, and buses, and we’re doing it in the most responsible way, with no new statewide taxes. For families, workers, businesses, schoolchildren, and visitors, this is a once in a generation investment that will benefit everyone, especially the overall Illinois economy. We need to continue pushing forward until Illinois truly has the best transit system in the nation, the one our riders need and deserve.”

The NITA Act delivers approximately $1.5 billion in annual transit and infrastructure funding without creating any new broad-based statewide taxes. Funding is generated by redirecting existing revenue streams and through board-approved regional tax authority:

• “Divert Gas Sales Tax to Transit: A portion of the existing sales tax on gas—historically directed to the General Revenue Fund (GRF) or shifted to the Road Fund for construction—is now dedicated to transit, raising approximately $860 million annually for transit operations.
• “Authorize the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to Increase Regional Sales Tax by 0.25%: The sales tax is currently collected exclusively in the six-county NITA region, enabling the RTA to access $478 million annually for NITA operations.
• “Divert Road Fund and State Construction Account Fund (SCAF) Interest to Transit Capital: 90% of the interest will be allocated to Northeastern Illinois, and 10% to downstate, raising approximately $200 million annually for NITA and downstate capital.
• “Tollway Revenue Provisions: The legislation also includes revenue measures supporting a new Tollway capital program.”

The NITA Act provides targeted support to strengthen transit across Illinois, “ensuring every community can benefit from a modern, and accessible transportation options.” Key investments stabilize operations, improve coordination, and expand services to better meet local needs:

• “Enhanced Suburban Service: Improved coordination between Metra and Pace for more reliable and frequent service.
• “New regional Dial-a-Ride program and Metra’s regional rail model expand on-demand transit and suburb-to-suburb connectivity, including service beyond downtown Chicago, especially benefiting seniors and riders with disabilities.
• “$150 Million for Downstate Transit: Stabilizes operations and supports capital projects across downstate communities. Local cost-share reduced from 35% to 20%, reflecting smaller or shifting local tax bases. Local communities previously had to cover 35% of transit project costs. Under SB 2111, that requirement is lowered to 20%, making it easier for smaller towns or communities with limited or changing tax revenue to maintain and improve transit services.”

Funding supports statewide safety measures designed to improve security and rider experience across the transit system, including:

• “Coordinated Safety and Law Enforcement: Organizes a Law Enforcement Task Force led by Cook County’s Sheriff to combat violent crime and establishes a Coordinated Response Safety Council with law enforcement and social service representatives to develop a long-term strategy.
• “Transit Ambassador Program and Safety Technology: Deploys unarmed ambassadors to assist riders and liaise with social services, while public-facing technologies, including a mobile app, allow riders to report safety issues in real time to the regional authority and law enforcement.”

The bill also secures $475 million for the Chicago to Quad Cities Passenger Rail project. Members of the Rock Island County Passenger Rail Committee joined Gov. Pritzker at Union Station on Tuesday for the signing of the bill, marking a major step forward in connecting communities across Illinois through the nearly $900 million project that has been a long-standing priority for regional leaders.

“Today was a tremendous day to mark another step on the long journey we’ve been on to bring passenger rail to the Quad Cities,” said City of Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. “I’m very thankful for the thoughtfulness of our elected representatives who really pushed to make sure downstate Illinois benefited from the entire transit transformation bill. I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead as we move closer to making passenger rail service to Moline a reality.”

The bill will go into effect on June 1, 2026. More information is available here.

The post Gov. Pritzker Signs NITA Act Into Law appeared first on Railway Age.

For the week ending Dec. 13, 2025, total U.S. rail traffic came in at 518,904 carloads and intermodal units, comprising 224,620 carloads, down 1.7% compared with the same week in 2024, and 294,284 containers and trailers, down 1.2% compared with 2024, AAR reported.

Three of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2024. They were miscellaneous carloads, up 764 carloads, to 9,514; metallic ores and metals, up 501 carloads, to 19,269; and coal, up 345 carloads, to 61,733. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2024 included nonmetallic minerals, down 1,919 carloads, to 27,814; grain, down 1,321 carloads, to 22,944; and chemicals, down 858 carloads, to 32,013.

For the first 50 weeks of 2025, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 11,113,752 carloads, rising 1.8% from the prior-year period; and 13,571,515 intermodal units, increasing 1.7% from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 50 weeks of this year was 24,685,267 carloads and intermodal units, a 1.7% gain over 2024.

North American rail volume for the week ending Dec. 13, 2025, on nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 329,271 carloads, down 1.6% compared with the same week last year, and 376,529 intermodal units, down 0.7% compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 705,800 carloads and intermodal units, down 1.1%. North American rail volume for the first 50 weeks of this year came in at 33,973,610 carloads and intermodal units, a 1.6% increase from 2024.

For the week ending Dec. 13, 2025, Canadian railroads reported 91,707 carloads, down 0.02%, and 66,869 intermodal units, down 1.4% from the prior-year period. For the first 50 weeks of this year, they reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 8,102,247 carloads, containers, and trailers, up 2.2%.

Mexican railroads reported 12,944 carloads for the week ending Dec. 13, 2025, down 11.6% from the same week last year, and 15,376 intermodal units, an increase of 15.0%. Their cumulative volume for the first 50 weeks of this year was 1,186,096 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 5.6% from the same point in 2024.

• AAR: U.S. Rail Traffic Down in Week 49
• AAR: U.S. Rail Traffic Continues Downward Trend
• AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Through Week 47
• AAR: Mixed Results for U.S. Rail Traffic
• New AAR Analysis Underscores Freight Rail’s ‘Critical Role’ in Containing Inflation and Strengthening Supply Chains

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VIA Rail President and CEO Mario Péloquin will be stepping down next month “as the Crown corporation has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years,” according to a CBC News report.

According to a release from Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon’s office, Péloquin, who has worked for 41 years in the transport industry, will be retiring in mid-January.

“I would like to thank Mario for his dedication and commitment to VIA Rail over the past two-and-a-half years, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors,” said MacKinnon in a statement.

Péloquin started out as an operator and then a rail-traffic controller before taking office roles with both the civil service and the private sector. But his retirement, CBC News reports, “comes as travelers have become increasingly critical of the rail line.”

“Commuters have argued that ticket prices have become too costly while delays are costing the company millions,” according to the CBC News report. “Via Rail has offered $31 million in travel vouchers to hundreds of thousands of passengers whose trains were more than one hour late in the past year, as new speed limits at rail crossings on CN tracks came into effect.”

Péloquin’s retirement, CBC News reports, “also comes as the federal government is moving ahead with plans for Canada’s first high-speed rail network.”

MacKinnon announced last week that the first leg of the project between Ottawa and Montreal is slated to begin construction in 2029.

Miloš Vasiljević, PE, a skilled leader on some of HDR’s largest transportation programs, has been named the company’s next Transportation Program Management Director.

Based in Arizona, Vasiljević will “set the strategic vision for the firm’s transportation program management practice, supporting clients and programs across all transportation markets,” according to HDR. Vasiljević will also coordinate with HDR’s company-wide program management director and the program management directors in other markets “to optimize strategy, services, quality control and client service across the company.”

Vasiljević joined HDR nearly two decades ago and has served in leadership roles on some of the company’s most notable program management assignments, including the $1.7 billion South Mountain Freeway in Arizona, $2.5 billion Carolina Crossroads program in South Carolina and most recently leading HDR’s work as General Engineering Consultant on the I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor in Arizona, a nearly $1 billion program that includes four major projects stretching 26 miles near Phoenix.

“The program management director role exists to help clients deliver transportation programs with greater certainty, less risk, and clearer alignment with their strategic goals,” said Vasiljević. “By standardizing best practices, leveraging robust project controls and data, and integrating advisory, technical and field services, we can help clients make better decisions faster and demonstrate tangible value from their investments. Ultimately, that translates into safer, more reliable, and more resilient transportation infrastructure for the communities we serve.”

Program management encompasses a wide range of services that HDR provides, from program development and planning to design and construction management. “It supplies clients a single trusted partner that looks across an entire program—not just individual projects—to manage scope, schedule, budget, risk and stakeholder expectations.​ The result is benefits that could not be obtained by managing each project individually,” HDR noted.

“Miloš stands out for his strong ability as a program builder, mentorship of others and his proven ability to be a trusted advisor for our clients,” said Transportation President Tom McLaughlin. “Both his technical and his interpersonal skills are top notch, and the programs he leads are better because of his involvement.”

STV on Dec. 16 announced the promotions of Keith Jackson, PE, to Senior Vice President, as well as Kevin Fielder, PE, and Wes Markham, PE, to Vice President. These promotions, the firm says, “strengthen STV’s leadership team in Florida, where the firm maintains six offices and a diverse portfolio of roadway, bridge, transit and mobility projects.”

Jackson leads STV’s business development and operations in Florida and brings 25 years of experience delivering complex highway and roadway projects. He is recognized for guiding multidisciplinary teams and developing solutions that improve safety, reduce costs and boost system performance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Fielder has 20 years of experience in transportation engineering, specializing in project management, roadway design and plans production. He has led major roadway improvements across the Southeast and holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University.

Markham brings more than 22 years of experience designing transportation projects for the Florida Department of Transportation, including major roadway and drainage improvements. He has served as lead project engineer on design-build programs and oversees design documents, construction plans and specifications. He holds a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, both from the University of Florida.

“Keith, Kevin and Wes bring extraordinary skill and vision to STV’s work in Florida,” said Jerry Stump, President of the Transportation South Operating Group at STV. “Collectively, their leadership will continue to help our clients deliver safer, more efficient transportation systems that keep the state connected and moving.” 

The post People News: VIA Rail, HDR, STV appeared first on Railway Age.

This milestone, CSX says, “marks a significant step forward in logistics innovation, supporting industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and battery manufacturing with efficient, contaminate-free storage and distribution solutions.”

The new 120,000-square-foot facility features cutting-edge automation and is strategically designed to serve as a transload hub, “enabling seamless movement of coils to various destinations,” the Class I noted.

According to CSX Manager of Industrial Development, Jody Lassiter, who supported the project, the now-active warehouse is already attracting new prospects and is expected to generate multiple projects annually.

“We are proud to be a customer,” said SCS-02. “Our partnership allows us to provide efficient and cost-effective rail transport solutions for our clients—and SCS-02 is strategically located to leverage this advantage.” The company noted that the facility’s registration on ShipCSX provides customers with enhanced visibility and real-time tracking, further streamlining logistics operations.

The post CSX, SCS-02 Launch Rail-Served Warehouse in Ky. appeared first on Railway Age.

A multi-million dollar project to restore over 200 miles of former Canadian National trackage along Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula took another step forward in December with the opening of the line between Caplan and Port-Daniel–Gascons.

Originally built in the early 20th century, the 202-mile line from Matapedia to Gaspé, Que., is arguably one of the most scenic in eastern Canada. CN operated the line until the 1990s, when it was spun off to a short line. Passenger service, provided by VIA Rail, continued into the 2010s but was suspended after track issues arose. While the western portion of the railroad is operated by Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie (Gaspésie Railway Society in English), trains have not traveled all the way to Gaspé for more than a decade. 

A newly rebuilt bridge near Port Daniel, Que.

In recent years, the government has invested millions to reopen the railway line for both freight and passenger services. The latest section of track reopened in early December between Caplan and Port-Daniel–Gascons, a distance of about 45 miles. To bring that part of the railroad back into operation, contractors had to rebuild 13 bridges, widen a tunnel, and even relocate the rail line completely in three different spots to avoid coastal erosion. With the line now open to Port-Daniel, Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie can directly serve a cement plant. 

Government officials have said they hope to have the entire line to Gaspé rebuilt by 2027. 

—Justin Franz 

The post Work Continues on Gaspé Line Rehab appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

Trinity Metro and FWISD on Dec. 10 officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at I.M. Terrell Academy, marking the launch of a new pilot program that will allow FWISD high school students to ride Trinity Metro rail and bus services for free.

The new partnership, Trinity Metro says, “is designed to increase safe, reliable transportation options for students, supporting their ability to travel to and from school, extracurricular activities, jobs, internships, and other essential destinations across the city.”

The signing event featured remarks from FWISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar, Trinity Metro President and CEO Richard Andreski, and I.M. Terrell Principal Baldwin Brown, who each highlighted the importance of the program for student access and opportunity.

“This partnership is a tremendous step forward for our students,” said Molinar. “We are deeply grateful to Trinity Metro for helping us open more doors for the young people of Fort Worth ISD. Our students are not only learners, they are citizens of this community. Providing them with expanded access to transportation gives them greater connection to all that Fort Worth has to offer, from educational opportunities to work, arts, and civic life.”

“Our partnership with FWISD gives students additional transportation options, supports student learning and academic success. We are proud to join Dr. Molinar in this pilot program that will allow even more students to participate in after school activities and seek internship and employment opportunities,” said Andreski. “This partnership is proof positive that Trinity Metro is connecting people to life across Fort Worth.”

BART ridership continued its steady upward trend in November, with double digit growth at most stations and overall ridership increasing 11.6% compared to the previous year, the agency recently reported.

In total, riders took more than 4.4 million trips in November, many taking advantage of new fare programs and innovations, such as Tap and Ride and Clipper BayPass. 

Ridership to SFO and OAK airports around Thanksgiving grew 12% over last year, according to BART.

Riders are also increasingly using BART on the weekends. In November, Saturday ridership increased by 19% and Sunday ridership by 16% over last year. These gains come as ridership dipped modestly from October, a pattern consistent with seasonal shifts and variations in weekday and weekend travel, the agency noted.

Ridership growth reflects changing commuter trends, increased use of weekend and off-peak service, growing adoption of new fare programs, and an improved customer experience at BART. And on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission released Next Generation Clipper, a new-and-improved fare payment system that makes paying for BART and other Clipper agencies faster and more convenient. 

Sound Transit has issued a notice of intent to award to Multi-Service Center (MSC) and Shelter Resources Inc. (SRI) to develop approximately 230 units of affordable housing on surplus property adjacent to the Federal Way Downtown Station.

MSC and SRI propose building approximately 230 homes across two buildings with approximately 570 bedrooms. More than 90% of the housing proposed are 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units, responding to the need for family-sized affordable homes in Federal Way.

MSC and SRI also propose complementing their residential project with a café led by Project Feast, a local non-profit that serves refugees and immigrants through food-focused programming; a commercial kitchen in partnership with FUSION, a Federal Way-based nonprofit which provides housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness; and a childcare facility. These non-residential uses are proposed for the ground floor of the development and will contribute to station area activation.

The proposed development, Sound Transit says, builds on the city of Federal Way’s progress toward realizing their City Center vision. The design, placement, and massing of the two proposed buildings provide pedestrian routes throughout the station area, connecting people to the Performing Arts and Events Center, Town Square Park, and the Federal Way Downtown Station. Agency staff will now begin negotiating key business terms with MSC and SRI, which are anticipated to be brought to the Sound Transit Board for approval in 2026. MSC and SRI aim to break ground on the project in 2028.

“The 230 new affordable homes being built near the Sound Transit Federal Way Downtown Station will transform this community for the better—and for the long term,” said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Girmay Zahilay. “Ninety percent of these homes are designed for families with larger layouts that meet real needs. They will be attainable for working family households, opening doors to stability and opportunity for those who need it most.

“This project stands as a powerful example of what King County, Sound Transit and the community can accomplish together—delivering the kind of family-focused, transit-oriented housing that is urgently needed in South King County, in a location that gives residents reliable access to jobs, schools, and opportunity,” added Zahilay.

RTD is bringing holiday cheer to metro Denver with themed light rail and bus wraps now appearing across the system. Customers will notice festive artwork and cozy winter scenes featured on a light rail and bus vehicle, adding a touch of holiday spirit to customers’ daily travel. The wrapped vehicles will be on display throughout the season, operating along several different rail lines and bus routes.

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Seattle-based Darigold, the marketing and processing arm of the Northwest Dairy Association, recently teamed with BNSF’s Certified Site program to open a facility at the 150-acre Reimann Industrial Center in Pasco, Wash.

“Serving as a robust economic development engine for Franklin County and the Pacific Northwest,” Reinmann Center is one of BNSF’s 36 Certified Sites located in key distribution hubs across the U.S. and Canada, according to the railroad.

“BNSF has eliminated the administrative hassle and red tape associated with the initial phases of site scouting, logistics and planning,” it reported in the Rail Talk section of its website. “This means businesses can save six to nine months of construction time to significantly accelerate operating capacity, speed to market and supply chain efficiency from day one.”

“It has been a big positive for Darigold to partner with BNSF throughout both the construction and now operation of our new facility in Pasco,” said Sam Naffziger, Senior Manager, Transportation Optimization at Darigold. “The Certified Site solution provided a strong foundation for the project, and BNSF’s support has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and efficient startup. We truly value the partnership and the benefits it continues to provide.”

According to BNSF, the new plant will process up to 8 million pounds of milk per day from more than 100 regional farms, producing butter and powdered milk products for customers across the U.S. and in some 30 countries worldwide.

Located within the multimodal Port of Pasco, the Reimann Industrial Center also helps accelerate delivery timelines, while simultaneously reducing emissions, including road miles, the railroad noted.

Meanwhile, BNSF recently reported via social media that it has closed its 7,000th highway/rail grade crossing networkwide. The milestone crossing on McKinley Street in Corona, Calif., sits alongside the railroad’s busy Southern Transcon route. According to BNSF, it “was once one of the area’s most challenging for collisions and trespassing.”

“Now that the bridge is operational, drivers save hours of wait time every day,” BNSF quoted Jim Steiner, former Corona Mayor and now Council Member, as saying. “Train horns at the intersection are a thing of the past, and traffic on McKinley Street is moving more smoothly.”

NS on Dec. 12 reported that its Safety Train, part of the railroad’s Operation & Awareness Response program, marked its 10th year of service in 2025, making 16 stops from March to November.

According to NS, the Operations & Awareness Response program provided training to more than 5,800 first responders throughout its network this year. The Safety Train offered free training to first responders, “equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to rail-related emergencies through hands-on instruction.”

Such training strengthens readiness, allowing first responders to gain “practical skills for rail-specific emergencies”; builds trust, reinforcing partnerships with local agencies; expands knowledge, allowing trainees to learn how rail equipment works and how to access critical information during an incident; and improves safety outcomes, as “better understanding leads to faster, safer responses when minutes count,” NS reported.

The Safety Train includes a mix of boxcar classrooms and specialized tank cars. According to NS, educational sessions cover:

• Safety practices around railroad equipment and tracks.
• How tank car valves and fittings work.
• Strategies and tactics for responding to rail emergencies.
• How to access information about railcar contents.

“Norfolk Southern deeply values the relationships we have built with first responders across our network over the last decade,” NS Director Hazardous Materials Robert Wood said. “We are proud to work alongside them and are grateful for their partnership in keeping our railroad and communities safe.”

The post Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS appeared first on Railway Age.

The Amtrak Board of Directors held its year-end 2025 meeting earlier this month in New Orleans, the site of a celebration held three-and-a-half months ago for the inauguration of Mardi Gras Service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Unlike other “public” Board meetings that show only the presentations to non-members, this meeting occurred both in person and on line, and included questions and answers. (Watch here and at bottom; download overview presentation below.)

This fourth Board meeting exhibited to the public included some 30 people in the room and about 125 on line, according to Amtrak Board Chair Anthony Coscia, who opened the meeting. He noted that more than 180,000 riders travel into or out of New Orleans per year, and that the “exciting news” is Mardi Gras Service. While Amtrak had expected 71,000 riders per year, Amtrak is “well on pace to double that,” he said. He also reported that “demand for Amtrak service is incredibly high,” and “America needs a strong passenger rail provider.” Passenger rail is an “essential mode of transportation” for millions of Americans, he noted, “many of whom live in places where bus service is nonexistent and where the nearest airport may be three hours away or more. People really like traveling on Amtrak” He added: “We’re just getting better, year after year.”

Among the other Board members, Vice-Chair Joel Szabat encouraged attendees to ask questions. Rob Gleason of Johnstown, Pa., told them that in addition to the two trains across his state (one in each direction), there will be two more starting next October. Ronald L. Batory—a longtime railroader with 50-plus years of service and a former FRA Administrator—praised Amtrak’s management team, and said Board service is his “opportunity to give back.” Elaine Clegg, a City Council member in Boise, Idaho, told the group that she advocates not only for a return of trains to her region, but also for the entire national network. The last time her city hosted a passenger train was in 1997, when the Pioneer was discontinued. She said that people are “starved for more rail service” and that she wants to help provide it; she mentioned the people in her region who are 100 to 150 miles away from the nearest bus or plane. Chris Koonz, the Mayor of Normal, Ill., mentioned the potential for trains to serve rural areas. Kyle Fields, FRA Chief Counsel, was in attendance, representing the U.S. Department of Transportation. David Capozzi, from Gaithersburg, Md., noted that he was the former Executive Director of the U.S. Access Board and the first person with a disability on the Amtrak Board.

Amtrak President Roger Harris reported that Amtrak has set “many, many” records in the past year. He showed a slide that said ridership, ticket revenue, customer miles traveled, and capital investment have all increased to record levels, and noted that ridership set records last year and this year with no new fleet. He set a target for train operations to be at a break-even level by 2028. He ended his presentation with this short video:

Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Costin Corneanu gave the financial recap. He said net operating loss was down to $598.4 million; an improvement of 15.1% over last year and a 10.3% improvement over plan. He said Amtrak’s revenue across all service lines increased by 9.1% and that October preliminary operating results are coming in $11 million, favorable to the 2026 plan. He also said the increased ridership is driving increased revenue. Capital investment was $5.5 billion, which is 23.8% higher than 2024 and 19.8% lower than the 2026 plan. The largest amount of spending was $1.57 billion on bridges and tunnels, with all projects mentioned located on the NEC. Other spending included State of Good Repair, new equipment, and ADA compliance. Adjusted passenger operating loss was $312.8 million; 35.4% less than last year and 22.2% better than plan. Revenue grew by 8.8%. The infrastructure side had an adjusted operating loss of $289.6 million; 29.6% higher than last year and 7.8% unfavorable to plan.

Corneanu also said the Northeast Corridor (NEC) service line remains “operationally profitable” and is the “primary driver” of year-over-year improvement. Adjusted operating losses on state-supported trains decreased slightly; an 8.4% improvement compared with last year and a $52.3 million revenue increase. Adjusted operating loss for long-distance trains was $621.8 million, which was 2.1% better than the prior year. He said that Amtrak added 8.4% capacity on those trains, which increased revenue by 9.5%. He noted: “While long-distance remains the largest contributor to our operating loss, it continues to fulfill a vital national mission and receives strong Congressional support.”

Szabat pointed out that Amtrak’s capacity limitations could hamper future growth. Batory asked about near-term challenges and risks. Corneanu responded by saying deployment of new equipment would improve reliability. Clegg stressed the importance of Long Distance (LD) trains and asked how Amtrak could start a path toward expansion. Corneanu noted that LD trains will never be profitable, but Amtrak is looking toward efficiency and minimizing losses, so higher-performing parts of system will carry the load.

Amtrak Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch was up next, with the Commercial & Operations Report. He praised quick turns on Northeast Regional trains and higher service levels on New York State routes because construction outages were postponed. He also mentioned “headwinds”: a four-month delay in the Next Gen Acela launch and the “grounding” of the Horizon fleet. He said that November ridership numbers should beat plan by about 2.1%, “due primarily to a very strong Thanksgiving holiday demand, which was driven in part by flight cancellations stemming from the government shutdown.” Hamlisch reported that ridership increased across service lines: 8.0% increase on the NEC (0.9% over plan), 2.6% increase on state-supported trains (0.9% under plan), and 4.2% increase on long-distance trains (2.7% over plan). Acela ridership declined by 2.6%, however.

According to Hamlisch, weekday ridership has grown due to increasing return-to-office demand. He touted the new Borealis train between Chicago and St. Paul for delivering a 140% increase (one-third of the total increase along state routes), although the only train on that route previously was the long-distance Empire Builder. He concluded by discussing the relationship between on-time performance (OTP) and customer satisfaction. He noted that variables like food and beverages, comfort, and cleanliness are far more important to riders when a train runs on or close to schedule. Delays remain the biggest problem.

Gary Williams, Executive Vice President of Service Delivery and Operations, reported that OTP was 1.4 points unfavorable year over year and 2.5 points unfavorable to goal. The problems were an aging fleet (59% in car and engine delays, mostly on legacy Acela cars) and major project work on the NEC (22% increase in scheduled work delays). Crescent and Lakeshore were the highest-performing LD trains for OTP. The Floridian and Southwest Chief were the lowest-performing. The Sunset Limited improved by 22 points.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Norfolk Southern were best-performing host railroads for least delay minutes per train mile, according to Williams. Union Pacific was the worst-performing. He said that Amtrak has “an incredible group of employees,” noting that many customer complaints included the phrase: “But we love your people.” Hamlisch added that capacity is constrained in the Northeast, but new Acela equipment should help, and so should other new NEC equipment.

Next came Laura Mason, Amtrak Executive Vice President for Capital Delivery, with a project update. “We have a fantastic amount of work going on at Amtrak,” she told attendees, and there is a FY26 capital plan of $5.2 billion. This includes transitioning to running only Next Gen Acela trains and retiring legacy Acela equipment by the end of the fiscal year. Amtrak is spending $440 million on new Airo fleet cars, including dual-mode for use on the NEC, which are being tested, and Amtrak plans to launch on the Cascades route. The FY26 plan also calls for $3.1 billion to be spent on Level 1 maintenance facilities. There will be 16 Level 2 facilities. While Mason did not elaborate on new LD equipment because it is “still in procurement,” she said Amtrak is “working collaboratively with the FRA to determine how to best move that program forward in light of current funding constraints, some cost realities, as well as feedback and risk considerations raised by the car builders during the RFP process. We hope to have more for you on that in the spring.”

Mason mentioned construction at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, Baltimore Penn Station, and Chicago Union Station, in cooperation with Metra, including the first high-level platform there. She also listed state-of-good-repair projects. A key goal, she said, is getting the most useful life out of assets. Asset condition will drive planning. Additionally, she described such Northeast projects as the East River Tunnels, Hudson Tunnel Project, Connecticut River Bridge, Portal North Bridge (with a new span opening next spring), Dock Bridge (Newark, N.J.) to be decommissioned and fixed in place, and the B&P Tunnel in Baltimore, Md.

Roger Harris returned with summary comments. He pointed out “a remarkable turnaround in the business, both in OTP and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) in the second half of the fiscal year.” He called the number of capital projects “overwhelming” and mentioned “the breadth of projects that we’re investing in” and “that some of these assets are actually beginning to come to life.” He also noted “the importance of partnerships and relationships.” He praised the work with partners, such as New Jersey Transit on the Portal North Bridge and New York MTA on the East River Tunnels. He also said that he was impressed with safety at Amtrak, and noted that this was the third year of no National Transportation Safety Board-reportable incidents. He summarized the strategic focus for 2026 as “Run a Great Railroad, Build for the Future, and Deliver Business Results.” As he concluded his remarks, he showed a graph of this year’s ridership exceeding pre-COVID levels, and he expressed the hope that recent momentum will result in another record next year. 

David Capozzi told attendees that visual and audible signage provides more information on train arrivals and departures than either visual or audible signs alone for riders who are deaf and rider who are blind. He asked about making on-board information fully accessible in that way. Harris responded by expressing thanks for the support Amtrak has received from the disability community and agreed that it “would be a huge improvement,” and that Amtrak is working with Alstom on that product. Harris reported that Amtrak is on track to meet its Station Accessibility goal by 2029, and that Amtrak had invested almost $200 million in station accessibility improvements; he expects to invest $320 million in station accessibility improvements, on 70 active projects.  

John Shea of Amtrak Public Communications moderated the public Q&A session that followed. The first topic was capacity, with Amtrak having enough cars operate and fulfill present and future demand. Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers’ Association, expressed concern, especially now that the Horizon cars have been taken out of service. He asked what provisions should be included in the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill that would improve Amtrak’s capacity. Harris reported that this is a “good problem to have” and that Amtrak is restoring capacity as best it can. He said fares are high because of high demand, so additional capacity is “very necessary.” He noted that Amtrak needs to look toward a “very broad” approach, including working with car builders.

Elaine Clegg also expressed concern about capacity, saying that Amtrak should work with government agencies and request enough grant money from Congress to keep Amtrak going for the next five to ten years, including funds to purchase enough equipment. Ron Batory commented: “There’s nothing more valuable than standardization. Standardization brings a scale that will be both efficient in the way of ability, maintenance, and cost, and that is something that I think is an opportunity for Amtrak to seize.”

Scott Spencer, Chief Operating Officer for AmeriStarRail (ASR), was next, offering “the opportunity for the largest private-sector investment ever in Amtrak.” It would be done, he said, “by driving innovation in five key areas: service, marketing, technology, the organization, and safety.” He proposed that ASR operate trains on the NEC according to a Service Plan that he had furnished to the Amtrak Board and senior managers. He suggested that Acela trains be rebranded as Libertyliner 250 trains to honor the 250th birthday of the United States, as well as the speed of 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph) that the trains can maintain. Spencer also proposed a “Freedom Pass” that would be valid for seven days of unlimited travel on the NEC for a flat fee of $250.00 per person. Coscia reported being open to these ideas: “We have a very strong interest in seeing whether there’s private capital and private innovation that can be brought into the mix in order to allow us to do our job and do it better.” (This is only a summary of what Spencer proposed; Railway Age will have a report with more details soon.)

The next question concerned where Amtrak trains will terminate in Miami, Fla., in the future. The response was that the trains will continue to terminate at Hialeah but could move to Miami Central Station (used by Brightline and Tri-Rail) someday, in connection with state-supported service.

Southern Rail Commission (SRC) Chair Knox Ross thanked Amtrak officials for their efforts to get Mardi Gras Service trains running, and said that “CSX, NS, and the Port [of Mobile] have done a tremendous job of making the service work.” He added: “We’re very excited about the ridership, the revenue.” He complimented Amtrak employees, including mechanical and on-board service workers, saying “Amtrak is putting a white glove on this” and “this is how Amtrak ought to run.” Coscia agreed, also thanking the Amtrak employees and the community. He recalled the thousands of people who came to see the train on its inaugural run, and said “it’s continued every day” and that ridership has exceeded initial expectations. He added: “it also speaks volumes for potential expansion of service in other parts of the country.” Coscia and Amtrak Executive Vice President for Planning and Strategy Jennifer Mitchell said that permanent platforms and other station improvements are coming, but did not provide details.

John Spain, a Louisiana resident and SRC Vice Chair, was up next. He thanked Amtrak for the Gulf Coast trains, too. He noted the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and said that trains would have helped get people out of harm’s way if they had been used in 2005. He called for a route between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the state capital. He also called for state funding, including for the proposed I-20 route, which would run between Fort Worth, Tex., and Meridian, Miss., across northern Louisiana.

More questions came from on line participants. One asked when the first and second tracks of the Portal North Bridge on the NEC in northern New Jersey would be in service. Laura Mason reported that Amtrak expects to have the first track in operation this spring and the second track in fall 2026. Another online questioner asked about plans for running the now tri-weekly Sunset Limited (between New Orleans and Los Angeles) every day, but Harris suggested consulting the FRA Long-distance study, without giving a specific answer. The next questioner asked what Amtrak is doing about the disruptions caused by problems with the Siemens Charger fleet. Gary Williams said that Amtrak is working with Siemens and its own mechanical crews to improve the situation; that it is improving; and that Amtrak is working to shorten response time when events occur that are beyond Amtrak’s control, like a vehicle accident. The next question was about the problems that Amtrak has had with shunt antennas on the Siemens Charger units pulling trains on host freight railroad CN in Illinois (the historic Illinois Central, where Amtrak is running long trains of Superliner cars while single-level cars would otherwise be used). Williams said that new antennas are being built for the Charger locomotives.

The next question concerned the new span of the Long Bridge over the Potomac River that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is building. Will long-distance trains running south of Washington, D.C., be able to operate during bridge closure hours due to the construction? Williams said that the Floridian will run there but did not mention the schedule. Harris said that schedules for long-distance trains will be “modified” but did not release details. The next question concerned restoring dining car service to trains that do not currently offer it. Harris said that many people care about food and beverage service on board but offered no specifics; he did offer to provide more specific information to the individual questioner. Another on line participant asked about the status of the Horizon cars that are at the manufacturer for repair. The answer: the fleet has been evaluated, and some can be repaired. A “small number” are being repaired to return to service.

After Jennifer Mitchell gave an update on Amtrak projects in the region and funding for them, on line questioning resumed with an inquiry about New York Penn Station, including the area to its south. Anthony Coscia said that the Penn Station Transformation Plan is about redevelopment at the station and enhancing capacity there, rather than development on private property south of the station. He added that the project is “on time, on budget, and on schedule,” and concentrates on the building’s footprint. FRA Chief Counsel Kyle Fields elaborated on the agency’s role in the development, including “what expansion might be necessary before going there.” A related question was whether the Feds are still financially supporting the Gateway Program. Coscia answered in the affirmative. Another questioner noted the high sleeping car fares on the long-distance trains, due to lack of capacity, and asked what is being done to expand the fleet. Harris said that the wreck-damaged cars that can be saved are being repaired. The next question was about publishing timetables, and Hamlisch defended Amtrak’s practice of not issuing printed timetables by saying that they change often. Concerning service expansion in Ohio, Mitchell mentioned projects led at the state level for corridor development.

Coscia concluded the meeting by saying it was “very, very important to hear from you,” noting that there will be another similar meeting next year. He expressed his hope that there will be more to celebrate then. 

This was the first Amtrak Board meeting where members of the public were allowed to ask questions. However useful (or not) the responses were to the questioners, this publicly available meeting marked an improvement in transparency for Amtrak. That, along with the records, is something to celebrate.

The post Amtrak Board: ‘We’re Just Getting Better, Year After Year’ appeared first on Railway Age.

Under U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the merit criteria of BUILD grants “will prioritize increasing safety measures, expanding transportation options for American families,” as well as projects that: 

• “Beautify transportation infrastructure with context-appropriate design that enhance user experience while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.
• “Improve roadway capacity and makes transportation more affordable.
• “Improve the travel experience for families through dedicated facilities for mothers, accessibility for those with disabilities, intuitive design elements, clear signage, intuitive layouts, and predictable operations for caregivers.
• “Facilitate tourism.
• “Support U.S. energy dominance.”

The program’s goal, USDOT says, “is to identify transportation projects with the capacity to have significant local or regional impacts, including highway, rail, port, and truck parking projects.” BUILD grants are awarded on a competitive basis for planning or constructing surface transportation infrastructure projects that will “improve safety; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation.”

Applications are due Feb. 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. More information is available here.

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