Latest news with #NationalTrainDay
Techday NZ
09-05-2025
- General
- Techday NZ
The transformation of American railroads: From industrial revolution to sustainable strength
Honoring our past while forging a sustainable future for modern rail infrastructure America's rail network stands as one of the most significant technological and economic achievements in our nation's history. From the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's first run in 1830 to today's integrated systems covering over 140,000 miles, railroads have been the backbone of American commerce and connectivity. This National Train Day, we recognize the force that has shaped our nation's landscape and economy for nearly two centuries. And yet, the railroad industry now faces a critical turning point. Climate change, resource conservation, and environmental responsibility require us to rethink the traditional infrastructure solutions we've used since the 19th century. This isn't abandoning our heritage—it's applying the same innovative spirit that built the transcontinental railroad to today's challenges of delivering operation excellence and unmatched safety with sustainability and ecological responsibility. The engineering marvel of American railways The early American railroad showcased industrial ingenuity at its finest—steam locomotives running on tracks secured to wooden ties cut from old-growth trees. Trees were felled along the right of way as the railroad expanded across the continent. These wooden foundations powered the transportation revolution that drove westward expansion and transformed America into an industrial powerhouse. Simply put, the wooden tie became the bedrock of our entire rail network. The thing is, this historical approach has had significant environmental costs. We replace about 20 million wooden ties annually, harvesting 6 million trees in the process. The concrete alternatives developed in the early 20th century and expanded in the 1970s created their own problems: high embodied carbon, susceptibility to cracking in extreme conditions, and substantial lifecycle costs. To truly honor the railroad's legacy, we can't just replicate old solutions. We need to advance toward more sustainable alternatives that maintain the industry's core values of service and excellence. The sustainability imperative in modern rail infrastructure The railroad industry has clear environmental advantages that make it essential for a sustainable transportation future. Rail freight moves a massive portion of America's long-distance cargo while producing far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than trucks. Each railroad, from the Class 1s to the shortlines, has a well-articulated sustainability vision and plan. But this advantage doesn't let us off the hook for addressing our infrastructure's environmental impact. At Evertrak, we've developed composite railroad ties as a direct response to this challenge. Made with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer from recycled plastic, these ties divert waste from landfills and eliminate toxic preservatives completely. Our engineering meets or exceeds traditional materials in performance—lab and field testing proves superior resistance to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and mechanical stress, all while maintaining stability throughout their longer service life. The economics of sustainable infrastructure While the shift to sustainable infrastructure is environmentally necessary, it's also smart business. Wooden ties should last decades, but 4 to 6 million ties in high-rot regions fail in less than 12 years. This premature failure forces regular track outages, maintenance costs, and disposal problems. Evertrak's composite ties, by comparison, perform reliably for 50 years in high-rot region 1, cutting replacement costs, reducing deforestation, and eliminating dangerous creosote. We have a forest of plastic available to make better ties outside the doors of every community in America. This economic logic mirrors railroads' broader efficiency advantage. Just as rail transport maximizes freight moved per unit of energy, sustainable infrastructure maximizes longevity per installation effort. Reduced maintenance creates a cascade of benefits: lower labor needs, less equipment mobilization, fewer traffic disruptions, and better track geometry—all improving operational reliability. These advantages benefit not just railroad operators but the entire economy through stronger supply chains and lower transportation costs. Continuing the legacy of innovation On National Train Day, we honor both America's railway achievements and their ongoing evolution. The innovative drive that moved the industry from steam through diesel electrification to today's precision scheduled railroading must now tackle infrastructure sustainability. This isn't abandoning tradition—it's its logical next step, adapting proven principles to today's challenges. At Evertrak, we're advancing this vision through ongoing research, rigorous testing, and industry partnerships. Our composite ties aren't just a product but a philosophy: preserving our railroad heritage requires forward-thinking innovation, not rigid adherence to old methods. By embracing sustainable solutions, we honor the industry's transformative legacy while ensuring its future for generations. The iron horse transformed 19th century America, but its 21st century successor must combine that revolutionary power with environmental responsibility and resource stewardship.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Union Pacific heritage locomotive honors Abraham Lincoln
Union Pacific has unveiled its Abraham Lincoln commemorative locomotive, honoring the president who signed the bill creating Union Pacific as part of the transcontinental railroad. 'Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) exists because President Abraham Lincoln wasn't afraid to ask, 'What's possible?'' Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Vena said at a ceremony Wednesday in North Little Rock, Arkansas. 'Our employees move the critical goods Americans use each day. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to sharing this special locomotive with the communities and people along the 23 states where we operate.' Officials attending the event included Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick and Lincoln Presidential Foundation Chairman Emeritus Sergio Pecori. The color scheme of locomotive No. 1616 — numbered to reflect Lincoln's service as the 16th president — is a nod to steam locomotive No. 119, one of two to take part in the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869. The locomotive, painted at the railroad's Downing B. Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock, will serve as a traveling ambassador, the railroad said. It will make its first public appearance on May 10 at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, as part of National Train Day. The railroad will announce additional details on the trip on its website and on social media. The railroad in February had announced plans for the locomotive, its second presidential diesel following No. 4141, honoring George H.W. Bush. That unit is now displayed at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas. Subscribe to FreightWaves' Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your first-quarter profits rise despite trade war Dragon Cement deal fires Maine rail line revivalNew railroad heralds Indiana multimodal development BNSF and UP say possible container glut doesn't scare them The post Union Pacific heritage locomotive honors Abraham Lincoln appeared first on FreightWaves.
Business Wire
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Union Pacific Unveils Commemorative Lincoln Locomotive No. 1616 with First Trip Planned in May
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Union Pacific Railroad unveiled the Abraham Lincoln commemorative locomotive No. 1616 today in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Numerous dignitaries, including Arkansas Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge, North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick and Lincoln Presidential Foundation Chairman Emeritus Sergio 'Satch' Pecori joined Union Pacific executives and railroaders to celebrate the pivotal role Lincoln played uniting the nation through rail and laying the foundation for America's freight rail supply chain. 'Union Pacific exists because President Abraham Lincoln wasn't afraid to ask, 'What's Possible?'' said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. Share Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862, creating Union Pacific and unleashing a new era of economic prosperity with the construction of the transcontinental railroad network. 'Union Pacific exists because President Abraham Lincoln wasn't afraid to ask, 'What's Possible?'' said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. 'Our employees move the critical goods Americans use each day. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to sharing this special locomotive with the communities and people along the 23 states where we operate.' Railroads are at the heart of the U.S. economy and touch nearly every industry including vehicles, chemicals, energy, agriculture, metals, minerals, forest products, consumer goods and more. Union Pacific's more than 30,000 employees deliver essential items from lumber and drywall to build homes to corn and wheat to make bread and cereal. No. 1616's paint scheme has the unique colors of Lincoln's era and serves as a nod to locomotive No. 119, one of the two locomotives present at Promontory Summit, Utah, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869, officially uniting the eastern and western parts of the nation. It was painted at Union Pacific's Downing B. Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock by Union Pacific's dedicated employees. The Lincoln locomotive will serve as a traveling ambassador. Its first public stop will be May 10 at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, Oregon, in celebration of National Train Day. As additional stops are finalized, details will be shared on and social media. ABOUT UNION PACIFIC Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at
