Railroad Innovatin Center

The News-Gazette (Aug. 19) -- A ceremony marked the official opening of the railroad-focused Research and Innovation Laboratory at the University of Illinois. Esablished through grants and support from USDOT's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, the Federal Railroad Administration, railroads, and rail industry suppliers, the 3,500-square foot laboratory in northwest Champaign, is unique among academic research facilities in the U.S. "This laboratory is an important new tool to develop a fundamental understanding of how track components and track systems respond to heavy axle loads, high-speed trains, and rail transit vehicles” said RailTEC Executive Director Christopher Barkan. Also: WCIA-TV (Aug. 19), RT&S (Aug. 21).