Gateway Development Commission (GDC)’s Post

Discover how our innovative solutions are assisting to shape the future of transportation with Europe's biggest infrastructure project, HS2! Last Friday Highways Magazine published this article discovering how we are providing protection, safety, and support to this significant project. https://lnkd.in/eERKANxR

🚨 In the news: “In Australia’s rail infrastructure landscape, a transformative force is emerging. Martinus, once a burgeoning entity focused on product delivery, is now distinguishing itself as a expert in the design and construct (D and C) realm.” Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ggWwZupy #RailInfrastructure #NextGenRailway

High-speed rail (HSR) is gaining momentum in the U.S. with two dedicated lines under construction and several more in planning, aiming to match the technology prevalent in Europe, Japan, and China. Ezra Silk from the U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition and Bernard Cohen from Alternate Concepts emphasize that the successful launch of these projects could catalyse a nationwide HSR network crucial for tackling climate change and transforming transportation. The coalition has released a guide detailing a five-stage life cycle for HSR projects, which includes project initiation, community engagement, and technical planning, advocating for diverse and strategic support to navigate the complexities of such large-scale infrastructure. With over 3 billion annual global HSR passengers compared to just 12 million on the U.S.’s limited lines, proponents urge ground-up campaigns across major regions to realise a broader HSR system.

Some wise words from Colin Calder Building a high speed rail network in Australia will definitely rely on agreement and collaboration across all levels of government and through the life of successive administrations. While running high speed trains on existing infrastructure can possibly deliver capital savings it will also, inevitably, lead to compromise in speed and efficiency meaning that 3.5 hour journey time time between Sydney and Melbourne becomes a pipe dream. Nowhere was this compromise illustrated more clearly than in the disastrous West Coast Route Modernization program, between London and Glasgow in the UK. The original design speed of 140mph was lowered to 125mph which is little more than the 110mph already achieved in many sections of the West Coast Main line at the time. Meanwhile cost ballooned from around £2.5 billion to £14.5 billion by some accounts. Carrying out major upgrades in an operational rail environment is not for the faint hearted. I say build new or be damned. #infrastructure #projectmanagement Engineers Australia RP Infrastructure Patries Twaalfhoven

Historic strides for water infrastructure in 2024! Thanks to the $55 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, projects across the U.S. are booming. From a $2.78 billion Pacheco Reservoir expansion in California to New Mexico's innovative brackish water treatment plants, and a $100 million upgrade in Buffalo's wastewater facility – these water projects create demand for new contracting opportunities in the new year. Additionally, big news for Texas travel! The high-speed Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston rail project is advancing through the environmental review process, thanks to inclusion in the $8.2 billion Corridor Identification and Development Program by the Federal Railroad Administration. Planned by NCTCOG, this 240-mile line promises departures every half hour, speeds up to 205 mph, and a 90-minute trip. Kudos to NCTCOG and Amtrak for securing $1 million to push plans forward. Read the full newsletter below for more information on the above and other insights you don't want to miss... #WaterInfrastructure #Opportunities #HighSpeedRail #DFWHR #InfrastructureProgress #TexasGovernmentInsider

🌊 In partnership with North Point Development, the Port of Coos Bay is pursuing three federal grants to advance the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project. This initiative includes: 🚢 Deepening and widening the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel 🚂 Upgrading the Coos Bay Rail Line 🏗️ Constructing a rail-served maritime terminal on the North Spit The project aims to enhance planning and design by focusing on multiple grants. North Point Development will lead the construction of a modern, electrified terminal with integrated rail facilities, promoting efficiency and reducing emissions. The PCIP emphasizes climate resilience, with full electrification and a preference for rail over road transport to ease highway congestion and lower global greenhouse gas emissions. “Importers and exporters are seeking additional U.S. port capacity,” said Brianna Hanson, VP of the port’s board. “Resilient infrastructure is essential for timely delivery of American goods. Recent global events highlight the critical need for supply chain resilience.” https://lnkd.in/gHGHsxe7 #PortOfCoosBay #infrastructure #climateresilience #sustainabledevelopment #FederalGrants #northbendoregon

When it comes to maintaining the safety and efficiency of the UK's rail infrastructure, conducting regular track surveys is an essential part of the process. However, with various types of track surveys available, it's vital to choose the one that best suits your project's needs. In our blog, we explore the different types of track surveys offered in the rail industry. 👇👀 #rail #ukinfrastructure #surveying Rail Forum

High-speed rail linking Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas could break ground this year! Daily Bulletin By JORDAN B. DARLING | jdarling@scng.com | PUBLISHED: July 28, 2023 at 2:18 p.m. | UPDATED: July 29, 2023 at 1:46 p.m. https://lnkd.in/gURYVM58 Plans for high-speed rail connecting Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas are picking up speed after passing a key hurdle this month.   On July 12, the Federal Rail Administration approved the environmental review and permits for the project, which includes a 49-mile stretch of rail between Rancho Cucamonga and the High Desert.   The rail administration found no significant environmental impacts would be caused by the project, allowing Brightline West, the company building the rail line, to start the construction process on the segment connecting Rancho Cucamonga to Hesperia and eventually Las Vegas.   The administration’s finding “confirms the environmental benefits of the project extending into Greater Los Angeles at Rancho Cucamonga,” Sarah Watterson, Brightline West’s president, said in a statement. “Having permits and right of way are typically the highest barriers to success for large scale infrastructure developments, and Brightline West’s tremendous progress here signifies why we are moving towards a ground-break later this year.”   Once completed, the high-speed rail will run 218 miles along the 15 Freeway at speeds reaching up to 200 mph, according to Rancho Cucamonga city officials. The city said that during the construction period the project would support more than 11,000 jobs a year and bring $5 billion in spending to San Bernardino County and $300 million to Rancho Cucamonga.   The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 400,000 tons annually and is predicted to see more than 11,000 passengers come through Cucamonga Station, the city’s multi-modal transit station, each year.   The train will be fully electric, powered by overhead electric lines, according to the rail administration’s website. The administration said the trains are expected to arrive in 60-minute intervals at the Victor Valley and Cucamonga stations, the latter offering connections to existing Metrolink service. The trip between Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga is expected to take about 35 minutes.   According to city officials, Brightline expects to break ground on the project by the end of 2023. The line is expected to be in operation by 2027 in time for the 2028 Olympics taking place in Los Angeles. #TeamRC #autonomymasterypurpose

In efforts to improve safety and reduce congestion, rail level crossing removal is a top priority for many governments around the country. Considering environmental, social, and economic factors is vital to the process but are the current approaches of prioritization or grade separation the right ones? In this blog, Senior Technical Director Jonathan Taylor, looks at other options outside the standard approach to seek efficient and equitable outcomes for future programs of work. Read more: https://okt.to/zrwEQ0 #levelcrossingremoval #rail #transportstrategyoptimizer

How can we ensure that major local #transport and #infrastructure projects get off to the best possible start? 🚇 WSP in the UK Major Projects Director Kerry Bangle shares her five lessons that can help even the most complex projects achieve a positive project initiation. Read the full article, the latest in our series on delivering local transport infrastructure in the age of devolution 👇 #DrivingDevolution #TogetherWeCreate https://lnkd.in/gcMicxeh