Rail supplier news from Ansaldo, Duos, IMC Cos. and CMA (July 15)

Ansaldo STS has been awarded a $42 million contract from MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to design and build a signaling system using computer-based train control. Under the contract, Ansaldo will supply its MicroLok® II Multi-Purpose wayside controller, power frequency track circuits, Ethernet communications systems and digital signal transmitters and receivers. The company's signal system will serve the LIRR's existing 18-mile line between Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale, N.Y., as well as 12.7 miles of double track under construction. The MicroLok II systems — which manage switches, signals, track circuits and other devices — will be deployed in "redundant hot standby" configuration for reliability, company officials said in a press release. Similar systems have been installed on other LIRR lines.

Amtrak has awarded Duos Technologies Group Inc. several contracts to provide a comprehensive needs assessment and analysis of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at five of the railroad's facilities located throughout the United States. IPAWS provides a way for public safety officials to inform the public about serious emergencies from a single interface. The needs assessment and analysis is aimed at identifying existing coordination or technical challenges for the implementation of the system across multiple jurisdictions for various facility types within the Amtrak network, Duos Technologies officials said in a press release. The company is also charged with recommending solutions to the identified challenges. Collectively, the contracts are valued at $230,000.

IMC Cos. has completed its acquisition of California-based Progressive Transportation Services (PTS). The acquired company will continue to serve customers throughout the West Coast market, but will now operate as part of IMC. The acquisition brings the number of brands under IMC to nine, including Atlantic Intermodal Services, Gulf Intermodal Services, and Ohio Intermodal Services. IMC acquired PTS to expand its geographic footprint and establish a presence in California, IMC officials said in a press release.

The Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA) have released agendas for the RSI/CMA 2016 Expo and Technical Conference to be held Oct. 2-4 in Omaha, Neb. The event will combine the exhibits of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) with more than 50 CMA technical and educational sessions. Presentations will cover topics including braking system upgrades, train handling before undesired emergency brake application, locomotive command and control, and diesel electrical maintenance issues. In addition, Union Pacific Railroad Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Fritz will give a keynote address on Oct. 3. The League of Railway Industry Women also will present its award for the "Outstanding Woman of The Year" at the event.