News-Gazette (Feb. 11) -- Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will work to develop better track components for rail transit systems, thanks to a $2.4 million, two-year grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) will develop new designs for concrete crossties and fastening systems used in light rail, heavy rail and commuter rail infrastructure that take into account their unique loading conditions.
Related story: (Feb. 9) -- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), announced today that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded $2,396,981 in funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support research efforts at UIUC’s Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) to improve rail safety and infrastructure. Also: eNews Park Forest (Feb. 9), Progressive Railroading (Feb. 11).