Progressive Railroading

Several railway crossings were blocked while police investigated the incident.

In container logistics news, there is an article in Progressive Railroading about how the Port of Philadelphia has secured $837 million in public and private funding for the largest capacity expansion in its history.

The program is expected to increase container capacity by 122% and automobile capacity by 18%.

An initial $371.5 million Commonwealth investment will support dredging, reclamation, land purchases and new equipment, unlocking another $200 million in private investment and $266 million in United States Department of Transportation funding.

President Jeremy Ferguson argues that rail workers should focus on which organizations have obtained enforceable written employment protections rather than political commentary surrounding the transaction.

In industry news, there is an article in Progressive Railroading about how CPKC's ownership of Superior Tie and Timber in Vivian, Louisiana, gives the railway more control over wood tie supply, production, and costs.

CPKC installs about 1.1 million to 1.2 million wood ties annually, with the plant treating roughly three-quarters of that volume.

Since the 2023 Canadian-Pacific-Kansas City-Southern merger, annual production has doubled from 350,000 ties in 2022 to more than 700,000.

Durant Police, Union Pacific Police, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the NTSB are involved in the investigation.

There is an article in Progressive Railroading about how BNSF Railway's more than $4 billion Barstow International Gateway project is nearing construction, but faces a lawsuit from environmental groups challenging the city of Barstow's approval.

The proposed 4,500-acre complex would include a rail yard, intermodal terminal, and warehouses to transfer freight from international to domestic containers moving from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Environmental groups allege the project's review inadequately addressed wildlife, energy, water, noise, and emissions impacts.

The bipartisan legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

There is an article in Progressive Railroading about how the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has launched the second phase of public consultation for its 2026 Virginia statewide rail plan.

Residents, businesses, community members, and travelers are being asked to provide feedback on the future of freight and passenger rail in the state through an online survey available until early November.

The first phase of consultation was conducted in March.

The lawsuit was filed in 2022 and remains before federal court.

There is an article in Progressive Railroading about how the Jacksonville Port Authority Board approved a six-year lease renewal with Waco subsidiary Jacksonville Port Terminal Railroad LLC with four additional one-year renewal options.

The railroad operates the on-dock rail system at JAXPORT's Talleyrand Marine Terminal and connects directly with CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway.

Waco says the railroad handles automobiles, chemicals, farm and food products, intermodal containers, and pulp and paper products.