Virgin Trains’ $4B Florida line tees up for construction
Virgin Trains USA, formerly Brightline, announced today the closing of $1.75 billion in private activity bonds (PAB) to help fund the company’s expansion to Orlando. It is one of the largest PAB transactions to date. Morgan Stanley was the underwriter for the transaction that was purchased by 67 different investors.
WSSC seeks halt to Purple Line construction near ‘critical’ water main
Suburban Maryland’s water utility has asked state transit officials to “cease and desist” construction on part of the Purple Line that it says is perilously close to a major pipe that provides drinking water to Prince George’s County and would explode if broken.
Sub-Mississippi River water tunnel illustrates feats of modern engineering
Minneapolis will employ a boring machine to drill a 5-foot corridor deep beneath the Mississippi River to keep one of the city’s most important drinking water pipes safe from the elements.
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With China’s Help, Nigeria Builds a Vital Rail Artery
Hundreds of hard-hatted workers cut and slot rebar … scores more workers smooth fresh concrete into molds while a dozen-man team steadily ties the rebar into a 100-ft-long cage and welders attach fittings to crossties. All this activity is taking place in Papalanto, a rural stretch of southwest Nigeria.
Demolition of Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct Taking Longer Than Planned
Concrete chunks and dust steadily tumble from the Alaskan Way Viaduct , but the old bulwark has been more stubborn than demolition companies expected.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) last week told waterfront business and tourism leaders that contractors won’t be done smashing the core of the double-decker hulk between Pike Street and Yesler Way until June 22 , according to Bob Donegan , president of Ivar’s.