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Union Pacific Railroad will commence the historic move of Big Boy No. 4014 to Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet Operations headquarters in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Sunday, January 26. The 1.2 million pound steam locomotive is set to enter the national rail network for the first time in 52 years. Towed by modern diesel-electric Union Pacific freight locomotives, No. 4014 will depart Fairplex, home of the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona, Calif., and travel 56 miles on Metrolink and Union Pacific track to the Union Pacific rail yard in Colton, Calif. A member of Union Pacific’s Train Town USA Registry, the city of Colton is a fitting location for final preparations for No. 4014’s 1,293-mile trek to Cheyenne.

“Union Pacific celebrates employees past and present with the restoration of one of the biggest steam locomotives ever constructed,” said Ed Dickens, senior manager of Union Pacific Heritage Operations. “We appreciate the collaboration with Metrolink and Fairplex to make No. 4014’s first move on the national rail network safe and efficient.”

Union Pacific also will deliver UP diesel locomotive No. 3105, a Union Pacific caboose and a Union Pacific boxcar to RailGiants Train Museum located at Fairplex on January 26. This donated equipment will contribute to the preservation and documentation of railroading underway at the museum.

Final travel preparations will be made in Colton over the next few months before No. 4014 departs for Cheyenne. The public is invited to view Big Boy No. 4014 in Colton yard on February 1-2, and 8-9, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All visitors should access the rail yard at 19100 Slover Ave., Bloomington, Calif. Visitors will be permitted in the display area for No. 4014 only. There will be no other rail yard access.

Following a 17-year operating career, Union Pacific delivered No. 4014 to RailGiants Train Museum in January 1962. No. 4014 was one of 25 Big Boys built for Union Pacific and was used primarily for freight service on the transcontinental railroad route beginning in 1941. Union Pacific plans to restore the locomotive to operating condition over the next several years.

This Press Release is courtesy www.uprr.com

(WASHINGTON)—The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) is forecasting that beyond a modest increase in construction costs nationwide, the overall U.S. transportation infrastructure construction market will grow five percent from $129 billion this year to $135.8 billion in 2014.

ARTBA Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black said the market would be led by expected double-digit growth in airport runway and terminal work, a six percent increase in bridge and tunnel construction, and five percent, or better, growth in total investment in waterways and ports, and heavy and light rail.

Uncertainty about the level of federal support for state highway programs after next September, however, will continue to depress the road pavement market next year.

Black forecasts the pavement market will grow to $54.4 billion in 2014, up 2.6 percent nationally. This includes $42.7 billion in public and private investment in highways, roads and streets, and $11.6 billion in largely private investments in parking lots, driveways and related structures. The market, however, will be uneven nationwide, she says. ARTBA forecasts paving work to be up in 19 states, down in 20, and largely flat in the remaining 11.

“Over the past 10 years, on average nationally, federal funding has provided 52 percent of the money invested by state transportation departments in road and bridge capital improvement projects,” Black said, noting, “The federal share ranges from 35 percent in New Jersey to over 70 percent in 11 states.”

“Absent congressional action to improve the revenue stream into the federal Highway Trust Fund before next October, federal support for state programs faces a potential $40 billion cut in fiscal year 2015,” she said. “That uncertainty is already putting a damper on state project lettings. Congress needs to act.”

“If the federal program can be at least stabilized, the longer term outlook for pavements could be much more positive,” Black says. “Bipartisan political support for significantly increased transportation investment has been seen in a number of bell-weather states this year, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland and Massachusetts. Wyoming and Vermont passed gas tax increases for expanded investment. Eighty-five percent of the 2014 transportation investment ballot initiatives passed. And the public-private investment market is picking up with the expansion of the federal loan guarantee program.”

ARTBA’s 2014 forecast for other transportation modes:

Bridges & Tunnels—Bridge and tunnel construction is expected to grow from $28.5 billion in 2013 to a record-level $30.1 billion next year. ARTBA says large projects in 10 states—California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Kentucky, Virginia and Washington—will account for about half of U.S. market activity in this sector.

Ports & Waterways—The port and waterway construction market, which has grown by a third since 2011 in anticipation of increased sea trade through the Panama Canal starting in 2015, is expected to grow another $100 million, to $3.0 billion next year. The top market states will be: California, Florida Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Airport Runways & Terminals—The total value of airport runway and terminal construction is expected to increase 17 percent to $14.7 billion in 2014, ARTBA forecasts. Market-driving states will include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

Light Rail, Subways & Railroads—The domestic light rail, subway and railroad construction markets will continue to see growth in 2014. Subway and light rail work will grow five percent to $7.9 billion from $7.5 billion. Heavy rail investment, largely by Class 1 freight railroads, will increase eight percent to $12.6 billion this year from $11.6 billion. Increase in demand to transport goods, including shale and crude oil, as well as multi-modal improvements for better port-rail connections, are driving higher levels of railroad investment. Based on recent state and local government contract awards, these states will be moving forward on key projects: California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.

The ARTBA forecast is based on a proprietary econometric model and analysis of federal, state and local data and market intelligence.

This Press Release is courtesy of The American Road & Transportation Builders Association

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx joined representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation in Atlanta today to announce a Transportation Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for $275 million to build new reversible lanes along I-75 and I-575. The 29.7-mile-long project will relieve congestion along the heavily trafficked corridor during morning and evening peak periods. The loan will go toward the $833.7 million total cost of the project.

“The new reversible lanes on I-75 and I-575 will help commuters and businesses alike by easing congestion on one of the city’s most gridlocked highways,” said Secretary Foxx. “It’s a great example of the Obama Administration’s efforts to invest in projects that will meet the transportation challenges of our growing nation.”

The corridor has long been recognized as one of the Atlanta region’s most congested travel corridors with over 400,000 residents in the area. It is also one of the most economically important areas in the region containing several of the region’s major activity and employment centers, including Cumberland Galleria, Marietta, and Town Center.

“This is a primary route for people commuting to downtown and Midtown Atlanta, and the new lanes will give drivers more choices and improve their commutes,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez.

The Northwest Corridor Project extends northwest along I-75 from Akers Mill Road to Hickory Grove Road and along I-575 from the I-75/I-575 interchange to Sixes Road. The area includes the cities of Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and several unincorporated communities in Cobb and Cherokee counties. The area is home to a sizeable share of the metro region’s population as well as several business centers, large regional shopping malls, Dobbins Air Force Base, and numerous large corporations.

The TIFIA credit program is designed to fill market gaps and leverage substantial non-federal investments. Each dollar of federal funding can provide up to $10 in TIFIA credit assistance and support up to $30 in transportation infrastructure investment. Since its launch, the TIFIA program has helped 37 projects turn over $12.7 billion in U.S. Department of Transportation assistance into more than $49 billion in infrastructure investment across America.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) transformed TIFIA into one of the largest transportation infrastructure loan programs in history, making up to $17 billion available in credit assistance for critical infrastructure projects.

This Press Release is Courtesy of USDOT

The largest generation in U.S. history and the most multi-modal could be a game changer for public transportation and America’s transportation network as a whole. The millennial generation chooses the most practical transportation mode (driving, public transit, biking or walking) for each trip, and this flexible concept of mobility is spreading. According to the study Millennials and Mobility, nearly 70 percent of millennial people 18 to 34, use multiple travel options several times or more per week.

The study, which was released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), shows that while car-sharing, bike-sharing, walking and car ownership will all play a part in the multi-modal network, public transportation is ranked highest as the best mode to connect to all other modes, according to 54 percent of millennials polled. APTA officials note that the recent trend of smartphone applications allow public transit users to be increasingly spontaneous and flexible with their travel decisions. This is a game changing element because it closes the gap with the perceived benefit of auto use.

“Public transportation is the backbone of a multi-modal transportation system because it provides the opportunity to multi-task and socialize online while traveling,” said Peter Varga, APTA Chair and CEO for The Rapid in Grand Rapids, MI. “This study shows that millennials are leading a trend of Americans who are returning to walkable cities and suburbs with multiple transportation options that include vibrant public transportation. This data is proof positive that America’s future is riding on public transportation.”

According to the study, the top five reasons and motivations for choosing public transportation are pragmatic, as 46 percent state that a need to save money drives their choices, 46 percent note convenience, 44 percent want exercise, and 35 percent say they live in a community where it just makes more sense to use public transportation.

“Now is the time to be pro-active in creating this multi-modal transportation system to address the millennial generation’s demands and lifestyles,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “This generation wants the pragmatic benefits of having multiple ways to get around. The solution is investment in a long-term transportation bill that includes strong investments in a variety of modes including public transportation.”

Millennials say the key advantages of public transportation is the ability to pay-per-use (58 percent), protecting the environment (50 percent), the ability to socialize online (44 percent), and creating community (44 percent).

Because of the future demands of this millennial generation, transportation systems and public transportation systems in particular, will be built around the smart phone. APTA anticipates adoption of features such as: smartphone charging stations on vehicles and facilities; fare collection via smartphone; Wi-FI, 4G and 3G access; apps that connect public transit access to local amenities; and seamless multimodal connections such as bike and car share options; and improved pedestrian access to public transit stations.

“It is great news that millennials would like to expand on what the public transit experience can and should be,” said Varga. “As an industry, we should encourage the creation of digital tools that play the role of a well-liked city bus driver – someone who is an expert at navigating an area, and can also offer personalized recommendations and interesting facts about the local area.”
Courtesy of APTA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, today unveiled the Location Affordability Portal (LAP), a cost calculation tool that allows users to estimate housing and transportation costs for neighborhoods across the country. The LAP will help consumers and communities better understand the combined costs of housing and transportation associated with living in a specific region, street, or neighborhood and make better-informed decisions about where to live, work, and invest.

“Many consumers make the mistake of thinking they can afford to live in a certain neighborhood or region just because they can afford the rent or mortgage payment. Housing affordability encompasses much more than that,” said HUD Secretary Donovan. “The combined cost of housing and transportation consumes close to half of a working family’s monthly budget, and the LAP will help to better inform consumers, help them save money, and provide them with a broader perspective of their housing and transportation options.”

“Transportation and housing are usually the two biggest expenses a family faces,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Now, hardworking families all across the country can make better informed decisions about where to live and work, including how their different transportation options may impact those choices.”

The LAP hosts two cutting-edge data tools: the Location Affordability Index (LAI) and My Transportation Cost Calculator (MTCC). The map-based LAI is a database of predicted annual housing and transportation costs for a particular area. The LAI includes diverse household profiles—which vary by income, size, and number of commuters—and shows the affordability landscape for each one across an entire region.It was designed to help renters and homeowners, as well as planners, policymakers, developers, and researchers, get a more complete understanding of the costs of living in a location given the differences between households, neighborhoods, and regions, all of which impact affordability. The data covers 94% of the U.S. population.

The Cost Calculator, a companion to the LAI, allows users to customize data for their own household and potential residential locations. Users enter basic information about their income, housing, cars, and travel patterns. The customized estimates give a better understanding of transportation costs, how much they differ in other locations, and how much they are impacted by individual choices, allowing users to make more informed decisions about where to live and work.

The LAI was developed with the input of real-estate industry professionals, academics, and expert staff from HUD and DOT, and uses statistical models that were developed from various sources that capture key neighborhood characteristics: population density, transit and job access, average number of commuters and distance of commutes, average household income and size, median selected monthly owner costs (SMOC), and median gross rent. The LAI also considers: car ownership, annual vehicle miles traveled (VMT), percent of commuters using transit, average selected monthly ownership costs, and average gross rent. This data is then used to calculate total housing and transportation costs.

Most of the model uses data that describe features of a neighborhood that are the same regardless of who lives there. To show how affordable neighborhoods across a region are for different types of households, the LAI presents data in terms of eight different household types–each characterized by the number of family members, household income and number of commuters–that represent a broad range of U.S. families. Descriptions of these household types, as well as the complete methodology used to create the Index, are available on the LAP.

“I’ve witnessed the evolution of these tools over time and I’m impressed by the attention to detail and statistical sophistication,” said Tom Sanchez, Virginia Tech professor and Editor of the academic journal Housing Policy Debate. “Household location decisions are in fact a function of housing costs and transportation costs together. Better information should lead to better decisions that effect not only particular households, but also communities and regions.”

HUD and DOT have analyzed the LAI data to better understand how housing and transportation costs vary between neighborhoods and across regions, and how land use, infrastructure investment, neighborhood characteristics, and demographic factors ultimately impact household budgets.

The core finding of the LAI is that the way communities are built and connected to one another has significant impacts on how much resident households spend on transportation. At the neighborhood level, factors like the density of residential development, access to transit and jobs, and street connectivity strongly influence household travel behaviors and costs. At the regional level, sprawl is the strongest indicator of average transportation costs, with households in higher density areas having lower transportation costs.
Courtesy US Department of Housing & Urban Development

The recent drive to improve conditions for the export of US manufactured products is having a significant impact on the level of US exports. Statistics from the the US Department of Customs has indicated that in the last year alone, exports have jumped to over 250 percent in volume.