Transportation Market Recap, June 2024

Notable Capital Improvement Programs

Our data team tracks major developments in the transit industry, which we call drivers. Here are some of the most important drivers from last month.

Regional Transportation Authority, Illinois: Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 4%

In the CIP covering the 2024-2028 fiscal years, Regional Transportation Authority detailed plans to spend $6 billion on capital projects, an increase of 4% from $5.7 billion in its 2023-2027 CIP. The current CIP has 203 line items, compared to 84 line items in the prior CIP.

Business Areas Boost Planned Spending for Ongoing Projects

Planned spending in the Chicago Transit Authority increased by 5% with funding for ongoing projects. The Metra and Pace categories also increased for the same reason.

Regional Transportation Authority Budgets Millions for Vital Chicago Transit and Metra Projects

Regional Transportation Authority has three notable line items valued at over $100 million. The Red Line Extension project is the most significant, belonging to the Chicago Transit Authority category. Another $11 million is also planned for the Uncategorized Projects - CTA. Lastly, $179 million is planned for the Bridge Replacement and Repair - Metra UP North Rebuild, under the Metra category.

Virginia Railway Express: Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 21%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, Virginia Railway Express detailed plans to spend $1.1 billion on capital projects, an increase of 21% from $947 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 27 line items, compared to 31 line items in the prior CIP.

Business Areas Show Growth with Infrastructure Boost

All business areas increased. The most significant increase is seen in the Train Maintenance and Storage Facilities category, which rose by 38% due to the ongoing construction of the New York Avenue Midday Storage Facility. Additionally, there is a $43 million increase in the Passenger Station Facilities category, attributed to funding for ongoing projects and a new project, the $11 million Fredericksburg Station Rehabilitation.

VRE’s Multi-Million Dollar Projects: Enhancing Rail Network

Virginia Railway Express has three notable line items valued at over $100 million. The largest, the New York Avenue Midday Storage Facility, is worth $191 million and belongs to the Train Maintenance and Storage Facilities category. It aims to supplement VRE’s current storage at Amtrak’s Ivy City Coach Yard with a midday storage facility parallel to New York Avenue in the District of Columbia. Another $126 million is allocated for the expansion of the Broad Run Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) and Station to support increased Manassas Line service. Lastly, $114 million is planned for the construction of an expanded VRE L’Enfant Station and an additional mainline track between the Virginia (VA) and L’Enfant (LE) Interlockings in Washington, DC, under the Passenger Station Facilities category.

City of Spokane Valley Engineering Division, Washington: Planned Capital Program Increased by 9%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2030 fiscal years, City of Spokane Valley Engineering Division detailed plans to spend $243 million on capital projects, an increase of 9% from $224 million in its 2024-2029 CIP. The current CIP has 39 line items, compared to 41 line items in the prior CIP.

City Infrastructure Investment Up 9% as New $18 Million Project Announced

The CIP in the recent period increased by 9% due to funding for ongoing projects. Additionally, a new project, the Flora Road Reconstruction - Appleway Trail to Flora Park, valued at $18 million, aims to reconstruct to city standards, including a shared-use pathway (and bridges) connecting Appleway, Centennial Trail, and Flora Park.

Spokane Valley Engineering Division Programs $20M+ Infrastructure Upgrades

Spokane Valley Engineering Division has four notable line items valued at over $20 million. The largest line item is the Sullivan Road / SR 290 Interchange Reconstruction, worth $45 million. The project involves reconstructing the interchange, including widening of Sullivan between Trent & Wellesley, adding ITS, center turn lane, lighting, and shared use path. Other notable line items include:

• Pines Road (SR27) / BNSF Grade Separation Project — worth $37 million to construct Grade Separation at Pines/BNSF RR/Trent (SR290).
• Argonne Road & I-90 Interchange Bridge Widening — worth $28 million to widen Argonne Road bridge to 3 lanes and improve pedestrian & bicycle facilities. New channelization to coordinate with 2028 STA park & ride facility.
• Barker Road & I-90 Interchange Project — worth $23 million for the full reconstruction of the interchange to provide a 4-lane bridge with facilities for all users. Impacts likely to extend to Boone and Broadway Avenues.

City of Avondale, Arizona: Planned Capital Spending Decreased by 2%

In the CIP covering the 2025-2029 fiscal years, City of Avondale, Arizona, detailed plans to spend $506 million on capital projects, a decrease of 2% from $516 million in its 2024-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 224 line items, compared to 204 line items in the prior CIP.

Transportation Spending Increases, Parks and Recreation Decreases

Planned spending in the Transportation category increased by 57% with funding allocated to the Pavement Management Program FY2026 and Beyond, totaling $30 million. Conversely, spending in the Parks and Recreation category decreased by 36% due to the ongoing development of a municipal aquatic center in the Avondale Civic Center Complex, expected to be completed in 2024.

Port of Portland, Oregon: Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 8%

In the CIP covering the 2025 fiscal year, Port of Portland, Oregon, detailed plans to spend $380 million on capital projects, an increase of 8% from $352 million in its 2024 CIP. The current and prior CIP has 7 line items.

Infrastructure Investment Surges: Planned Spending Up 10%

Planned spending increased by 10% due to the addition of new projects: the T6 Pavement Rehabilitation and Electrical Improvements, Hillsboro Airport Taxiway K Reconstruction, Runway 7-25 Reconstruction, and Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements.

Port of Portland Invests Over $300 Million in Terminal Redevelopment

Port of Portland has one notable line item valued at over $100 million and two valued at over $25 million. The largest line item is the Terminal Core Redevelopment, worth $301 million. Additionally, $26 million is planned for the T6 Pavement Rehabilitation and Electrical Improvements, and $24 million for the Terminal 2 Mass Timber & Housing Innovation Campus Improvements.

What We Are Reading

Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:

• CTDOT developing bus infrastructure plans for Windham regional transit district
• Santa Clara VTA breaks ground on Eastridge to BART Regional Connector project
• MBTA to begin replacement of South Elm Bridge on Haverhill Line July 15
• CA: Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to get first look at passenger rail vehicle types
• Front Range Passenger Rail District Board of Directors approves continuation of planning of launch of intercity passenger rail service
• Metrolink implements Wireless Crossing Nearside Station Stop system at Del Obispo Street crossing
• UIUC opens NURail CoE to advance rail research
• Amtrak completes accessibility upgrades at Bay Area stations
• As Part of DOT’s Push to Bring Traffic Deaths to Zero, Biden-Harris Administration Sends Every State Funding for Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
• $1.3B available for EV charging network expansion in US
• BART Board approves rider-focused FY25 operating and capital budgets
• MARTA’s balanced FY25 operating and capital budgets emphasize keeping system in state of good repair, growing ridership
• SEPTA breaks ground on new accessibility project at Erie Station
• FHWA awards $60 million in connected vehicle technology grants to three states
• NJ Transit cuts ribbon on renovated Elizabeth Station
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $108 Million in Transportation Investments to Improve Infrastructure and Road Safety on Federal and Tribal Lands
• MBTA, city of Somerville, Mass., invest in bus lane improvements on Washington Street
• San Diego MTS Board approves $448.2 million FY25 operating budget
• OCTA Board of Directors approves $1.76 billion FY 24-25 budget
• USDOT awards $1.8 billion in RAISE grants
• Fairfax County’s Richmond Highway BRT project approved to enter engineering phase of federal CIG program
• CTA, CDOT reveal first five corridors to be evaluated for bus priority infrastructure as part of Better Streets for Buses Plan
• SEPTA Board approves FY25 budget
• Amtrak, NJ Transit accelerating investigations of disruptions and improve reliability across NEC
• Exo to place 44 new 2050 railcars into service on Line 12 - Saint-Jerome
• New York awards $97.7 million in grants to support alternative transportation choices
• Metrolinx’s TBMs finish excavating tunnels for western underground segment of Eglinton Crosstown West Extension
• CHSRA Board clears environmental milestone of downtown San Francisco to downtown Los Angeles
• CTDOT releases progress report on CX Action Plan
• Biden-Harris Administration Announces $123 Million in Grants to Improve Airports

What Top U.S. Transportation Companies Blog About

To stay abreast of industry marketing trends, we regularly review blogs of the nation’s top consulting and construction firms. These are some notable customer-focused blogs in June.

A data-driven approach to transit planning and equity

On June 4, 2024, Stantec published a blog discussing a data-driven approach to transit planning, focusing on equity. Stantec, a global design firm, uses data analytics to address disparities in transportation access across communities. By analyzing demographic and transportation data, Stantec identifies areas with limited transit options, aiming to improve accessibility and reduce inequalities. This approach helps urban planners and policymakers make informed decisions to enhance public transportation networks. Stantec’s initiative is timely amidst growing awareness of transportation equity issues, addressing both current and future needs for inclusive urban development. Their data-driven strategies not only prioritize accessibility but also promote sustainable and equitable growth in cities, ensuring that transportation systems effectively cater to diverse community needs.

Gresham Smith Completes Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation Process at Dallas Love Field Airport

Gresham Smith recently achieved Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation for Dallas Love Field Airport, signifying their commitment to sustainability. This accreditation, awarded by Airports Council International, acknowledges airports and their partners who actively reduce carbon emissions. Gresham Smith’s completion of this process underscores their role in implementing effective environmental strategies within airport infrastructure. By reaching Level 4, they demonstrate leadership in carbon management, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in airport operations. This achievement aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts and promotes Dallas Love Field Airport as a sustainable hub for air travel.

AECOM selected as Lead Designer for Portage Bay Bridge replacement in Seattle, Washington

On June 20, 2024, AECOM published a blog announcing their selection as the lead designer for the replacement of the Portage Bay Bridge in Seattle, Washington. The project aims to address aging infrastructure and improve transportation efficiency in the area. AECOM’s role includes designing a new bridge that meets modern safety and environmental standards while accommodating increased traffic demands. This initiative is crucial as the current bridge is nearing the end of its service life and requires substantial upgrades to ensure continued functionality. AECOM’s selection reflects their expertise in engineering and infrastructure design, positioning them to deliver a sustainable and resilient solution for Seattle’s transportation network.

BEM Awarded New Jersey Transit Contract

On June 24, 2024, Bemsys Technologies Inc. secured a contract with NJ Transit to provide an advanced operational system for their rail and bus networks. The system aims to enhance NJ Transit’s operational efficiency, reliability, and passenger experience through real-time data analytics and predictive maintenance capabilities. This partnership is significant as it addresses longstanding challenges in public transportation management, particularly in the densely populated and highly trafficked New Jersey area. Bemsys Technologies’ solution is expected to optimize scheduling, improve fleet management, and minimize service disruptions, thereby increasing overall service quality. The contract underscores NJ Transit’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and services, aiming to meet growing demands and enhance commuter satisfaction.

Meeting Planner

In this over-digitized age, there is no replacement for face-to-face meetings with your prospects and customers! We track meetings of interest to our customers serving the U.S. transit industry so you won’t miss upcoming meetings and deadlines. Additionally, FirmoGraphs has recently implemented a free-of-charge service for tracking notable infrastructure events.

Meetings in July and August 2024

Early Bird Registration

• AREMA Annual Conference — September 15, 2024 to September 18, 2024. Deadline for Early Registration: August 9, 2024.
• SAE COMVEC — September 24, 2024 to September 26, 2024. Deadline for Early Registration: June 24, 2024.
• IEEE - VTS Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference — October 7, 2024 to October 10, 2024. Deadline for Early Registration: August 26, 2024.