April 1997
NS/BNSF Begin Interline Intermodal Service From Louisville
Norfolk Southern and Burlington Northern Santa Fe have begun offering interline intermodal service between Louisville, Kentucky, and points in both the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest. The service runs through the Kansas City gateway.
Conrail Cuts Food Shipment Rates
Conrail has reduced its rates on southbound food shipments originating in the Northeast and Midwest. According to the company, the new rates average 45 percent below those of trucks.
EPA Slates Hearing on Diesel Locomotive Exhaust Emissions
A hearing is scheduled this month on proposed Environmental Protection Agency standards for diesel locomotive exhaust emissions. The plan involves a three-tier implementation with 33 to 40 percent emission reductions for units built since 1973, through and including 1999, and further reductions for units to be built from 2000 to 2004, and from 2005 and beyond.
STB Approves CSXT Sale of Track Segment to Pickens Railway
The Surface Transportation Board has approved the sale of seven miles of CSXT's Belton Subdivision in Anderson County, South Carolina, to the Pickens Railway.
Resurrection of Saltville Railroad in Virginia Proposed
A car dealer in Salem, Virginia, wants to resurrect the Saltville Railroad in Smyth County, Virginia, as a freight hauling shortline. He plans to ask for a grant from the state's railroad preservation fund. He is William Pinkerton, once a manager with the New York Central, and he plans to rename the 10-mile line the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.
Construction Under Way in Ivy City for High-Speed Facility
Construction is under way in Ivy City yard, Washington, for the high-speed rail maintenance facility. New tracks and catenary are being installed, and foundations are being poured for new installations.
NortheastDirect Achieves On-Time Record
Amtrak's Northeast Direct on-time performance was 92.5 percent in February, the first time NortheastDirect service has exceeded Amtrak's performance goal of 90 percent.
Chicago Union Station is Now Smoke-Free
Chicago's Union Station became a smoke-free environment March 1.