October 2024 NRC Bulletin | |
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NRC Updates and Announcements | |
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NRC Chairman’s Column: CSX President & CEO Joe Hinrichs To Headline NRC Conference
Check out Chairman Joe Daloisio’s column in the October issue of Progressive Railroading for news about CSX President & CEO Joe Hinrichs, the featured guest for the fireside chat at the 2025 NRC Annual Conference.
The column invites conference participants to attend the fireside chat at 11 am on Monday, January 6. Joe and NRC Vice Chair Curtis Bilow will host a candid discussion with Mr. Hinrichs, who offers a new perspective, having spent most of his career in another industry. He brings 30 years of experience in the global automotive, manufacturing and energy sectors where he's built an exemplary record around operational excellence and employee engagement. Learn about the state of CSX, the railroad industry and the broader supply-chain and business outlook. Joe invites readers to send him their questions or ask one of their own at the conference.
Read the entire column here to learn more about the conference and details about registering: CSX President & CEO Joe Hinrichs to Headline NRC Conference
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Register Now for NRC 2025 Conference- Early Registration Ends Today: Kick-off the year on the right on track at the railway construction's premier networking event. It is time to make your plans to attend the 46th Annual NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition on January 5-8, 2025 in Marco Island, Florida at the J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort located at 400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145. The annual NRC Conference features a unique program agenda with chief engineers from the major freight railroads and other key speakers covering up-to-date topics of importance to the rail industry, including capital spending plans, rail projects of national significance, and railroad construction safety. Please take a look at a video from the GM at the J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort regarding hotel readiness after the recent storms: Hotel Readiness
Click Here to View the NRC 2025 Conference Program
Registration: Click here to register. Take advantage of your member discount. NRC members receive a significant registration rate discount. Were you an NRC member in previous years and are unsure of your current status, or are you currently not a member? Then please visit https://www.nrcma.org/join-nrc for more information. If you have any questions about registration or your membership status please contact Marian Barreto at mbarreto@nrcma.org or call 202-975-0365. A registration fee table and schedule is below:
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NRC 2025 Conference Registration Fees | |
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Lodging: The hotel room block for the NRC 2025 Conference at the J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is sold out. Thank you to everyone who booked early. May you still need accommodations, we recommend checking with nearby hotels for availability, such as the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa. Please note that the NRC does not have a negotiated room block rate at this property. We encourage you to secure your lodging as soon as possible to ensure a comfortable stay during the conference.
If you'd like to be added to a wait list for a sleeping room at the J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, please email the Marriott Reservations team at: mhrs.mrkfl.reservations@marriott.com. In your email, please include:
- Your full name, best telephone number and email
- Desired check in/check out dates
- Desired room type
- Indicate you'd like to be added to the National Railroad waitlist.
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Exhibit Hall- Book Your Booth by Today to Save: Please follow this link for the 2025 NRC REMSA Exhibitor Terms and Conditions, which include show schedule, display guidelines, etc. For more information on exhibits and booth pricing, please visit the NRC-REMSA 2025 Exhibition Welcome Page.
For questions regarding exhibiting at the NRC-REMSA Exhibition and reserving your booth, please contact Heidi Baker at (202) 844-6126 or by email at baker@remsa.org. An exhibit booth fee table and schedule is below:
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2025 NRC-REMSA Exhibit Booth Fees | |
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Golf Tournament: The NRC's 2025 Golf Tournament is sold out. If you'd like to be added to the wait list, please click here and enter your information. The tournament will be held on Tuesday, January 7, with a shotgun start of 12 pm at the Marco Island Rookery & Hammock Bay courses. The courses are on site where the NRC 2025 Conference will be held. Due to course size constraints, capacity is limited so we encourage early registration. The tournament registration fee includes carts, green fees, lunch, refreshments, as well as driving range, and putting green access prior to the shotgun start. Rental clubs must be reserved prior to December 13, 2024. Golf options and pricing will be detailed when you register.
Trap Shooting Event - Almost Sold Out: As an alternative to golf, consider registering for the NRC’s Trap Shooting Event. It will be held on from 1 to 3 pm on Tuesday, January 7, at Gulf Coast Clays. The registration fee includes round-trip bus transportation, water/snacks prior to departure, firearm rentals, ammo, safety protection (glasses and earplugs), bottled water, and a licensed professional at each stand. This event is open to all experience levels and will be fun for everyone. Please register prior to December 13, 2024. Trap Shooting options and pricing will be detailed when you register.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Interested in Sponsoring at the NRC 2025 Conference and REMSA Exhibition? This premier event brings together leaders and innovators from the railway and construction industries, offering an unparalleled platform to showcase your brand to a highly targeted audience. The following sponsorships are still available:
Golf Beverage Station - $15,000
Finale Reception - $7,000
Headshot Sponsorship - $5,000
Reception in Exhibit Hall - $5,000
Safety Video Presentation - $3,500
Freight Railroad Session - $3,500
Golf Hole - $350
Conference Event Sponsors receive the following benefits:
- Exposure at the conference venue where the event is held
- Verbal recognition for your sponsorship at the event
- Signage with your logo in public spaces at the conference
- Recognition on the conference program app
- Exposure for your company and logo in all pre- and post conference marketing materials
Questions? Please contact Marian Barreto at mbarreto@nrcma.org or click here to visit our website.
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Thank you to our NRC 2025 Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibition Sponsors: | |
Scam Alert -We ask conference attendees to be vigilant of scams, including any solicitations via email that offer hotel deals or registration lists on behalf of the NRC. These groups are not affiliated with the NRC. Please check the NRC website or email NRC staff directly for the most up-to-date conference information. We recommend that you do not engage with unsolicited emails or calls offering hotel accomodations or special discounts. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unverified sources. Always use the official Marriott Passkey link sent from NRC in your registration confirmation. Please note NRC does NOT sell its attendees lists to any vendors or other parties. Anyone attempting to sell this information is fraudeulent and not part of the NRC organization or its partners. | |
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Each year the NRC calls out exceptional performance at our members companies with the following awards for excellence. The following awards are now open:
The deadline to submit all award applications is November 15, 2023.
The NRC's annual Innovation in Technology and Process Award is now open. This award honors and recognizes innovation and unique technologies, or technological services, created or implemented by an NRC member company. Eligible technologies or related services include grade crossings, RWP, contractor safety, freight rail, industrial track, rail transit, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, rail on port facilities and rail on military facilities.
To view the Innovation in Technology Award application please click here.
The NRC Railroad Construction Project of the Year Awards recognize exemplary NRC member projects in two categories, the Large Project Category (projects with budgets over $10 million) and the Small Project Category (projects with budgets of $10 million or less). All types of rail construction projects are eligible for the awards and the purpose is to honor innovation, expertise, and quality project management. Please click here to access and submit the NRC Railroad Construction Project of the Year Award.
The NRC Field Employee of the Year Award recognizes a field employee employed by a contractor member companies who exhibits exemplary performance during the year. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor the rail contracting employee who has demonstrated the most dedication and excellence in his/her field. Please click here to access and submit the NRC Field Employee of the Year Award.
The annual NRC Safety Award recognizes NRC member organizations and their continued commitment to safety and safe practices. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor that safety commitment that NRC Members continually practice on a daily basis. Please click here to access and submit the NRC Safety Award.
The NRC also encourages members to nominate individuals to the NRC Hall of Fame. The purpose of the NRC Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the NRC and the rail construction and maintenance industry. The criteria to be nominated is an individual must be a current or former employee or owner of an NRC member company is eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame. Members will be inducted according to the decision of the NRC Hall of Fame Induction Committee. To nominate someone for the NRC Hall of Fame, please click here.
For more information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marian Barreto at mbarreto@nrcma.org. All winners will be recognized at the NRC 2025 Conference and REMSA Exhibition in Marco Island, Florida. Questions? Please contact Marian Barreto at mbarreto@nrcma.org.
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The NRC is delighted to announce that Jerry Hegstrom with Northern Plains Rail Companies has joined our Board of Directors. We are grateful to Jerry and all of our board members who volunteer their time and energies to help make railway construction and maintenance safer and stronger. Welcome, Jerry. Check out all of our board members here:NRC Board Members | |
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NRC Members: Keep Your Organization Details Up-To-Date!
In 2025 the NRC will be releasing new interactive features to the member directory that will allow potential clients or employees to see all of your company locations. Please be sure to keep your membership dues and company locations up to date. To view your organization’s company locations, please visit www.nrcma.org and login with your username and password. Once you are logged in, you may update your company profile.
We greatly appreciate your NRC Membership! If you have any questions at all or would like any other additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Marian Barreto at mbarreto@nrcma.org.
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Mega Awards
For FY25 and FY26, USDOT awarded $1.68 billion toward 11 projects. Projects that include rail work:
Arizona Grand - The project will overhaul the US 60 (Grand Avenue), 35th Avenue, and Indian School Road intersection to address complex traffic and safety issues by elevating 35th Avenue above Grand Avenue and constructing new bridges over the BNSF railroad. It includes improved sidewalks, local access, bus facilities, and right-of-way acquisition, with $146,627,854 in funding from the INFRA Grant program.
Madera HSR - The project will build a high-speed rail station for the Merced-Bakersfield California High-Speed Rail Interim Service at the relocated Madera Amtrak Station. It will feature new platforms, trackwork, an overhead contact system, a bus depot, expanded parking, access roads, a multi-use path, and a station building.
CREATE - The project will enhance a 3-mile elevated rail corridor on Chicago’s South Side by reconfiguring tracks and signals at Belt Junction, adding a third track, and replacing 14 aging bridges and viaducts. It will also improve mobility on surrounding streets, funded by a $291,179,049 INFRA Grant award.
North Station - The project will replace the Draw 1 rail drawbridge used by Amtrak and MBTA, upgrade North Station with a two-track platform extension, and modernize track, signals, and switches in the area. It will also enhance an interlocking used by a local construction aggregate supplier.
To see the full list of FY25 and FY26 Mega awards can be found here.
INFRA Awards
For FY25 and FY26, USDOT awarded $2.58 billion toward 36 projects Projects that include rail work:
Grand Ave - The project will reconstruct the US 60 (Grand Avenue), 35th Avenue, and Indian School Road intersection to resolve traffic and safety issues by elevating 35th Avenue above Grand Avenue and building new bridges over the BNSF railroad. It includes improved sidewalks, local access, bus facilities, and right-of-way acquisition, funded by a $146,627,854 Mega Grant.
CREATE - This project will make improvements along an approximately 3-mile elevated rail corridor on Chicago’s South Side. The project will reconfigure track segments and signals at Belt Junction; add a third track to the Norfolk Southern line; replace and restore 14 aging bridge and viaduct structures; and implement mobility improvements on surface streets throughout the corridor. This project will also receive funding from the Mega Grant program for a full MPDG award amount of $291,179,049.
Paducah & Louisville - The project will enhance the Paducah & Louisville Railway by upgrading 180,000 feet of rail along the 280-mile line from Paducah to Louisville. It includes traffic control upgrades, a new Wheel Truing System at the Paducah Roundhouse, and rehabilitation of five bridges at specified mileposts.
I-494 EZ pass project - The project will install E-ZPass lanes on I-494 in both directions between Highway 169, East Bush Lake Road, I-35W, and Highway 77. It will also replace an aging railroad bridge over I-494 and reconstruct the interchange at I-35W and 82nd Street.
Freight Reliability and Preservation - The project will rehabilitate 45.4 miles of asphalt pavement from west of Drake to Fessenden and consolidate access points at the US 52 and ND 3 intersection in Harvey. It will also add acceleration and deceleration lanes at railroad crossings and turn lanes at key intersections from south of Portal to Carrington.
Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) Terminal - This planning project will advance environmental review, permitting, and preliminary engineering and design for the intermodal terminal component of the larger PCIP project, including the railyard, container yard, wharf, and berths.
To see the full list of FY25 and FY26 INFRA awards can be found here.
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FRA Releases FY 2023-2024 CRISI Program: Key Project Summaries and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published the FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program Project Summaries for FY 2023-2024. To read the FY 23-24 CRISI Selections please click here.
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FRA Issues NPRM on Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) Inspections
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proposing revisions to regulations for minimum railroad track safety requirements. These changes would mandate that all Class I and II railroads, intercity passenger, and commuter railroads use a qualifying Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) for automated track inspections at specified intervals. This requirement applies to Class 1 through 5 tracks with annual tonnage exceeding 10 million gross tons, regularly scheduled passenger service, or trains carrying hazardous materials. Additionally, the FRA suggests increasing the inspection frequency for Class 6 tracks. Written comments on the proposal are due by December 23, 2024.To read more about the the Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) please click here.
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FAMES: Fourth Quarter Safety Alert
Over 27 years, roadway worker fatalities have shown a troubling spike in the 4th Quarter, with 36% of the 96 total fatalities occurring during this period, and October alone accounting for 47% of those deaths. The Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) Committee emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance regarding on-track safety protections during this critical time. They encourage workers to report unsafe practices, such as fouling tracks without proper protection. FAMES is dedicated to honoring the memory of fallen workers while working to reduce risks and eliminate fatalities in the future. To read the FAMES fourth quarter safety alert, please click here.
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PCL Construction Services, Inc. Secures $300 Million Contract to Upgrade Amtrak’s King Street Yard in Seattle, Enhancing Rail Infrastructure and Sustainability
Amtrak has awarded a construction contract to PCL Construction Services, Inc. for upgrades to the King Street Yard in Seattle, supporting the introduction of new Airo trains for the Amtrak Cascades route and modern maintenance practices. The project will feature a new two-bay maintenance facility, a service and cleaning bay, and improvements to existing utilities, all while maintaining regular service and completing work by 2027.
Valued at nearly $300 million and funded by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, this upgrade is part of Amtrak's broader capital program aimed at modernizing passenger rail infrastructure across the country, with additional projects planned in cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. The new facility aligns with Amtrak's Net-Zero Strategy, aiming for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045.To read more about the Amtrak King Street Yard project, please click here.
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Industry News and Updates | |
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FRA Announces Over $1 Billion Funding Opportunity to Expand and Modernize Intercity Passenger Rail Across the U.S.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for over $1 billion to enhance intercity passenger rail in the U.S. through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, targeting projects outside the Northeast Corridor. This funding, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), builds on $8.2 billion in grants awarded in December 2023 for various passenger rail initiatives, including the country’s first high-speed rail projects. Eligible projects include expanding new intercity passenger services, improving existing lines, and enhancing rail infrastructure, with applications due by December 16, 2024.
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Breaks Ground on $2.3 Billion Long Bridge Project to Enhance Rail Capacity and Connectivity
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a $2.3 billion project to construct a new Long Bridge over the Potomac River, aimed at increasing passenger rail capacity. This project, part of the "Transforming Rail in Virginia" initiative, will create a two-track bridge connecting Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., alleviating one of the largest rail bottlenecks on the East Coast and improving on-time performance for both passenger and freight services. Scheduled for completion in 2030, the initiative will enhance Amtrak Virginia's service from eight to 13 daily round trips and add an estimated $7.2 billion to the state’s economy.
Blue Line Extension Design Plans Approved by Twin Cities, Marking a Major Step Forward for Regional Transit Investment
Preliminary design plans for the Blue Line Extension have been approved by Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, and Hennepin County, with 33 out of 38 elected officials voting in favor. This approval, part of the municipal consent process, allows cities to review early design drafts and request changes, ensuring the project aligns with community needs, including the addition of a 13th station in Minneapolis and relocating the Downtown Robbinsdale station. As the project progresses toward more detailed design plans, city officials emphasize the importance of continued collaboration, pedestrian and bicycle amenities, and anti-displacement measures to serve historically underserved communities.
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The NRC is a trade association representing businesses from across the nation in the rail construction and maintenance field. NRC members range in size from small family businesses to the largest companies in the industry. NRC members perform work for transit, commuter, intercity passenger, industrial, and freight rail customers, with services including track construction and maintenance, grade crossings, signal and communications installation, bridge construction and repair, rail yard work, and many more. The NRC strives to put an emphasis on rail safety and quality while proudly serving the rail industry | | | | |
