The project, which will get under way late r this summer, will eliminate one of the nation’s largest rail bottlenecks. The Illinois Department of Transportation contributed $6.6 million to the $133 million project.

The Englewood Flyover is a grade separation project south of Chicago Union Station that eliminates one of the most delay-prone intersections in the entire Amtrak system. It separates Rock Island District Metra commuter trains from Amtrak passenger trains traveling on the Norfolk Southern (NS) corridor.

“Untying rail congestion in Chicago is critical to developing a Midwest passenger rail network that will connect the 40 largest markets in the Midwest,” LaHood said. “Building the Englewood Flyover will put Americans back to work this summer and create new orders in our domestic supply chain.”

An agreement between Illinois, NS and Amtrak also lays the groundwork for an additional express track for high-speed trains to points east and south. Amtrak utilizes the NS line for all trains from Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Indianapolis into Chicago. The State of Illinois will serve as the hub of the Midwest passenger rail network.

The Englewood Flyover project is part of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, a partnership between the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, freight railroads, Metra and Amtrak, to remove and reduce train congestion throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest region.

This congestion impacts all modes of transportation, forcing more trucks on to the highways, limiting access to airports, and reducing the capacity of railroads, limiting the regions effectiveness as the nation’s transportation hub, officials contend. In addition to the intercity passenger benefits, the Englewood Flyover will also reduce freight and commuter delays, keeping more people and freight off Chicagoland’s congested highways.

“Not only will Illinois see the benefit of new construction jobs and some desperately needed congestion relief, this is a great opportunity for Illinois suppliers to bid on new orders,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “Illinois has more railway suppliers than any other state in the country, and does more than $4.5 billion in sales each year.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and annual appropriations have, to date, provided $10.1 billion to put America on track towards providing new and expanded rail access to communities and improving the reliability, speed, and frequency of existing service. Of that, nearly $6 billion dollars has already been obligated for rail projects. This $126 million obligation was funded through the Recovery Act. In the Midwest, construction started last fall on the Chicago-St. Louis corridor.

The Englewood Flyover will mark the first construction between Chicago and Detroit, which has received several grants. The Midwest has also received an award for a new fleet of domestically-built trains.

The money will pay for the design of a positive train control (PTC) technology system that increases railroad safety and efficiency by monitoring and controlling train movements, which will help integrate California’s rail network with high-speed passenger service.

“Keeping people safe is our top priority and positive train control technology will ensure California’s rail network transports passengers more safely and efficiently than ever before,” said Secretary LaHood. “This comprehensive safety technology will improve passenger service along the highly-traveled corridor between San Francisco and San Jose and will ultimately benefit the entire high-speed rail system in California.”

The grant will enable the CHSRA and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board to develop a system that will improve schedule management along the dominant San Francisco-San Jose corridor and by extension, help improve train schedules along the entire California railroad network. In addition, the grant will be used to design a PTC system that will accommodate the existing 52-mile corridor and provide support for high-speed trains.

PTC also keeps passengers and railroad workers safer by maintaining safe train separations preventing non-compliance with train speed limits, protecting roadway workers in authorized work zones and providing protection against train movement over misaligned switches. Once installed, the San Francisco-San Jose system will meet the congressionally-mandated provisions of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), who has been working with the Department of Transportation to secure this vital funding, welcomed Transportation Secretary LaHood’s announcement:

“This is great news for Peninsula residents. This technology will improve Caltrain’s safety and efficiency,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo.” This this is an important first step in making Caltrain a 21st century transportation system.”

Other members of the federal working group also released statements of support for this funding:

“This $16 million in federal funds means faster commutes for our constituents,” said Rep. Michael Honda. “As a Member of the House Budget Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, I recognize that the only way for America to get back to work is for our nation to invest in a 21st century transportation system that will get us there. Improving Caltrain and laying the ground work for high-speed rail has a direct, positive impact on my constituents, and these federal funds show that their hard-earned tax dollars are being efficiently and effectively returned to their communities in visible and meaningful ways.”

“As our country’s highways and roads grow more congested, we desperately need to invest in alternative forms of transportation,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose). “I support the Federal Rail Administration’s efforts to modernize America’s rails, and this is a step towards more efficient, safer, and faster rail travel. It’s investments like these that are going to keep America competitive as the load on our transportation infrastructure continues to grow.”

“With this investment, we continue to improve California’s public transportation services, creating good jobs, reducing traffic and pollution, and contributing to the health and vitality of California’s economy,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I thank all those responsible for their valiant work in making this dream a reality.”

“The decision of the FRA is the right choice for our time because scarce dollars will be used for the best purpose—increasing safety on the vital Caltrain corridor,” said Rep. Jackie Speier.

Thirty-two states across the U.S. and the District of Columbia are currently laying the foundation for high-speed rail corridors to link Americans with faster and more energy-efficient travel options. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and annual appropriations have, to date, provided $10.1 billion to put America on track towards providing new and expanded rail access to communities and improving the reliability, speed, and frequency of existing service. Of that, more than $5.8 billion dollars has already been obligated for rail projects.

A strict “Buy America” requirement for high-speed rail projects ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. In 2009, Secretary LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts.

– Collision of Two Municipal Railway Transit System (MUNI) Trains, San Francisco, Calif.

On July 18, 2009, about 2:50 p.m., a MUNI train struck another standing MUNI train at West Portal Station. The operators of both trains and 46 passengers were taken to hospitals. The operator of the striking train and 27 of the passengers had serious injuries.

– Collision of Metrolink Passenger Train and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Freight Train, Rialto, Calif.

On November 20, 2008, about 11:25 a.m., an eastbound Metrolink passenger train failed to stop at a red signal and collided with the last eight cars and two rear locomotives of a westbound BNSF freight train. There were 15 passengers and 3 crew members on the Metrolink train. Four passengers received minor injuries. The two crew members of the BNSF freight train were unhurt.

– Collision of Two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Light Rail Passenger Trains, Boston.

On Friday, May 8, 2009, about 7:14 p.m., a westbound MBTA Green Line train struck the rear of another westbound MBTA train. The accident occurred near Government Center Station in the underground tunnel segment on the MBTA subway system.

Sixty-eight injured passengers and crewmembers were transported to local hospitals.

Both the Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin lines experienced a surge in ridership over the last decade; the Pacific Surfliner service saw more than 65percent in ridership growth, and San Joaquin service experienced a 45 percent increase in ridership. This new equipment will accommodate the ridership growth with additional cars and locomotives available for improved service.

“With gas prices at record highs, President Obama is committed to making sure Americans can choose safe, efficient passenger rail options for reaching their destinations,” LaHood said. “Thanks to this investment in new, American-made cars and locomotives, Californians will continue to enjoy the congestion relief, economic growth, and affordable travel provided by these popular rail lines.”

This money will allow Caltrans to purchase 27 bi-level intercity rail passenger cars and two diesel-electric intercity locomotives that comply with uniform standards that create a level playing field allowing U.S.-based manufacturers to more effectively compete.

Fostering healthy economic competition will drive down costs for rail owners and operators and the traveling public. Maintenance and repair costs will be lower because of reduced parts acquisition costs. Training can also be streamlined with just one type of equipment, allowing faster turnaround for repairs.

“We are very pleased to fund this first order for rolling stock under the new Next Generation design standards,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “These standards benefit manufacturers and suppliers, the railroad industry and overall passenger safety, utilizing the best technology available.”

To date, approximately $5.7 billion dollars has been obligated throughout the country for rail projects funded by the Recovery Act and annual appropriations. President Obama’s vision is to connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail within the next 25 years. This strategic investment is putting America on track towards that goal, providing an integrated passenger rail network with trains operating at all speeds and connecting to additional transit options, serving as a core component of our nation’s future transportation network.

A “Buy America” requirement for high-speed intercity passenger rail projects also ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. And, in 2009, LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts.

Work can now begin on innovative rail projects that will create new manufacturing and construction jobs, spur economic development in corridors and, in the long-term, develop a national transportation network with world-class railways.

“We have heard the call of the American people to build the safest, fastest and most efficient ways to move people and goods,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Thanks to the leadership of President Obama, communities across the country are already feeling the economic benefits of rail and today we take another step forward, bringing new jobs to our citizens. Through high-speed rail, we are helping America win the future.”

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has been working collaboratively with states to move grants from “award to obligation,” ensuring high-speed intercity passenger rail projects can get underway and put American people to work.

The project will relieve congestion, leading to greater reliability and faster travel times, and is necessary to achieve the faster speeds for future high-speed rail development. The project is being funded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Adding track in Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa will reduce congestion and improve reliability,” said Secretary LaHood. “President Obama’s bold vision for high-speed rail will deliver a much-needed boost of jobs, help reinvigorate our manufacturing base, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

New York State received $3.3 million for two miles of second mainline track used by Amtrak’s Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express services near the Village of Ballston Spa, NY. Both of these services saw an increase in ridership in 2010, and the second mainline track will relieve significant congestion near the Saratoga train station and a major freight classification yard. The existing congestion requires Amtrak trains to wait up to 30 minutes for the track to clear. The New York Department of Transportation is contributing $3.5 million for this project, which has also signed a service outcome agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway. Construction will begin in spring 2011.

“Adding rail capacity is an integral part of our high-speed intercity passenger rail program, and it creates win-win situations for passengers and the freight railroads,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “Both Amtrak and the freight railroads in Upstate New York will benefit by eliminating this choke point.”

“New York is committed to moving forward with high-speed rail and these federal resources are an important step in that direction,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “This project will help alleviate the frustrating delays near Ballston Spa that riders of Amtrak’s Vermont and Adirondack-bound trains have endured for too long.”

To date, more than $5.3 billion has been obligated to states under the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

The accidents include:

– A collision that occurred on Nov. 29, 2009, at the WMATA West Falls Church station where a six-car train struck the rear of a stopped six-car train. Three employees sustained minor injuries.

– An accident that occurred on Jan. 26, 2010, approximately 0.9 miles north of the Rockville station when two WMATA Metrorail automatic train control maintenance technicians were struck and fatally injured by a hi-rail vehicle.

– A derailment that occurred on Feb. 12, 2010, when WMATA Metrorail train 156 derailed the front set of wheels on the first car near the Farragut North station. No injuries were reported.

The information being released is factual in nature and does not provide any analysis. The dockets include investigative group factual reports, exhibits, interview transcripts, photographs, and other documents from the investigations.

Additional material will be added to the dockets as it becomes available. Analysis of the accidents, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause for each accident, will be released at a later date when the final report on each investigation is completed.

“This plan will help West Virginia identify rail lines that will best serve shippers and passengers well into the future,” said Secretary LaHood. “It is an important part of the President’s plan to win the future by targeting critical rail projects.”

The grant will be matched by $1 million from the State of West Virginia. The plan will inventory existing freight and passenger rail lines in the state and analyze the potential for new freight, high-speed, intercity and commuter corridors, including tourist railroads.

“Planning for freight and passenger rail has been ignored for too many years, and state rail plans will create a sound basis for future, targeted investment,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “Such plans are all part of the President’s long term vision to best use our railroads and create new opportunities for rail.”

To date, more than $5.3 billion has been obligated to States under the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

The rail line acquired by Metrolinx from CN is composed of the two- and three-track rail corridor east of Union Station in downtown Toronto to a junction near Whites Road in Pickering, Ont., where the line connects with GO Transit’s separate rail right-of-way.

Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce McCuaig said, “With today’s announcement, Metrolinx gains full ownership of an important segment of GO Transit’s Lakeshore East commuter rail corridor from Union Station to Oshawa, Ont., and a direct connection to GO’s Stouffville corridor in eastern Toronto.

“Owning this rail corridor section better positions GO to improve service, better control operations and plan future service growth.”

Metrolinx now owns 61 per cent of the rail corridors on which GO Transit operates.

CN President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau said, “We are pleased to have concluded this sales agreement to transfer a critical link in the commuter rail network to Metrolinx, while protecting CN’s operating rights over this line to ensure continued service to its freight customers. CN has a strong partnership with Metrolinx and we will continue to support commuter rail as a sustainable mode of transport in the Greater Toronto Area.”

The board is now in operation and marks the culmination of a two year, $1.9 million project to upgrade signage throughout the station. The project was funded by the Amtrak/MARC Joint Benefits Capital Program.

Passengers entering Union Station can once again obtain train departure and arrival information from the Main Hall of the station. The new board is 9’6” tall, 15’5” wide and 8” in depth, and replaces a twenty-year older version which ceased to operate in October of 2009.

The train information board and nearly 60 new electronic signs were installed throughout the station. The new signs were carefully developed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and demonstrate a continuing effort towards improved customer service.

Many of the features, including the viewing angles and character/ line attributes of the text, addition of train service logos and the height of the signs were all designed to better provide train status information.

Additional funding for the installation of the train information board was provided by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation.