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• Alstom Signaling Inc. has obtained a $117 million contract from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to overhaul the agency’s aging train control and rail safety systems. Alstom will implement an integrated operational platform that will direct train movement, control traction power and monitor station and other auxiliary functions. The project, to be funded from MARTA's capital budget, is expected to take about five years to complete. The contract includes two, five-year contract options for Alstom to sustain and maintain the systems for up to 10 more years, bringing the total contract value to $143 million.

• On Friday, Axion International's board named Steve Silverman chief executive officer. He will retain his title of president; Silverman’s previous title was chief operating officer and president. He succeeds Jim Kerstein, who now will serve as the firm’s chief technology officer. Since joining the composite plastic crosstie supplier in October, Silverman has been "instrumental in laying the foundation for Axion's product management initiatives, and developing strong partnership that will allow Axion to achieve growth," said Axion officials in a prepared statement.

• GATX Corp. reported fourth quarter net income of $19.5 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $21.5 million, or 45 cents per share, a year earlier. Net income for full-year 2010 was $80.8 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, compared with net income of $81.4 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, for full-year 2009. Fourth-quarter rail segment profit totaled $39.2 million vs. $33.9 million a year earlier. GATX's North American rail-car fleet numbered 111,000 on Dec. 31. Fleet utilization in the fourth quarter rose to 97.4 percent vs. the third quarter’s 96.8 percent.

• Parsons Brinckerhoff has appointed Gregg Albright senior planning manager in the Sacramento, Calif., office. He will direct the California high-speed rail project and oversee efforts to build community, agency and investor support for the program. Albright previously served as deputy secretary for environmental policy with the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, as well as deputy director of planning and modal programs for the California Department of Transportation.

• Michael Baker Jr. Inc. has announced that Daniela Mihai and David Farley have joined the firm’s rail transit group. Mihai has worked in the rail and transit industry for the past 22 years, and has extensive experience in the design, construction management of light-, commuter- and heavy-rail electrification systems. At Baker, she will be PM/CM, responsible for design-build and design for all rail transit projects. Farley has worked in the rail and transit industry for the public and private sectors for the past 30 years. At Baker, he will be PM/CM, responsible for design-build and design management for transit, high-speed rail and railroad construction projects.