Tag: railroad

  • Benefits of Our Professional Track Inspection Services

    Benefits of Our Professional Track Inspection Services

    Seven reasons to choose the experienced team at TGB Group

    Are you seeking ways to ensure the safety, efficiency and reliability of your track system? TGB Group provides certified track inspection services that result in safer journeys for your clients and customers. Let us be your trusted partners in maintaining top-notch track infrastructure.

    Why choose TGB Group for track inspection?

    Rail-industry companies throughout the U.S. rely on our inspection services for a variety of reasons. Here are seven of them.

    1. Expert team

    Our team of seasoned engineers, technicians and data analysts provides the experience and expertise you need to keep your track system performing optimally.

    1. Data-driven insights

    We don’t just collect data; we transform it into actionable insights. Our thorough analysis helps you identify issues before they escalate, allowing for proactive maintenance and significant cost savings.

    1. Comprehensive solutions

    From routine inspections to in-depth analysis, we offer a wide range of services tailored to your needs.

    1. Track inspection compliance assurance

    We understand the importance of adhering to regulations and standards. Our inspection services ensure that your track system will meet or exceed industry requirements.

    1. Public confidence

    A safe and reliable track fosters public trust. Boost the confidence of your freight-transport clients by scheduling regular track inspections from a qualified inspection team.

    1. Timely response

    Time is of the essence, and we all wish we had more of it. Our efficient scheduling and prompt reporting mean you get results when you need them without compromising quality.

    1. Increased track lifespan

    Our track inspection services not only enhance safety but also contribute to your system’s longevity. We’ll help you reduce operational disruptions and extend the lifespan of your infrastructure.

    Join the ranks of satisfied clients who have chosen TGB Group for their track inspection needs. Contact us today at (866) 217-7794 or get in touch with our simple contact form.

    Your journey to safety starts with us!

  • We’re Helping to Make a Bright Meals on Wheels Christmas

    We’re Helping to Make a Bright Meals on Wheels Christmas

    Helping our area homebound seniors during the holidays

    A Meals on Wheels Christmas is a time to pay special attention to the needs of our older neighbors and do a little something special for them.  TGB Group has worked for years with local service agency Meals on Wheels Montgomery County (Texas) to make life a little easier for homebound seniors.  The organization provides meals as well as transportation and other important services.

    At the moment, we’re busy helping with the Meals on Wheels Christmas effort.  We’ve been buying a lot of gifts and helping to assemble packages that will be given to those whom Meals on Wheels serves.  It doesn’t take a lot, really, but the rewards are great.

    Items we’ve been getting together include hot chocolate packets and mugs; shampoo and conditioner; stationery, pens and stamps; puzzles; notepads; and other goodies that will be part of some very special gift bags.

    What a Meals on Wheels Christmas really means

    meals on wheels christmas 2021

    Many seniors in our area don’t have access to the resources we tend to take for granted.  Meals are one of these resources as some who are up in age no longer can cook and manage their daily meals.

    Meals on Wheels fills the gap by ensuring that local homebound seniors are able to get the nutrition they need on a daily basis.  The organization relies on a long list of volunteers, which we’re proud to say includes The TGB Group.

    Home-delivered food and transportation to stores and doctor appointments are services that are important any time of year.  They’re especially important during the holidays.  A Meals on Wheels Christmas means some of our neighbors who might be in need will have those needs fulfilled at a time of year that’s all about giving and caring.

    You can learn more about the Mission of Meals on Wheels and find out how you can give a little of your time to those who have given our world so much.

  • Industrial Park Project

    Industrial Park Project

    Our team will provide rail design and other services for the Industrial Park project

    After extensive planning and preparation, TGB Group has officially joined the team! We signed an agreement in November with Industrial Park near Laredo, Texas, to provide rail design and consulting services.

    Our first task was to review existing conceptual designs and give suggestions on ways to improve operations. We also developed a master plan for the rail to show the team the potential for future rail on the site, which spans more than 3,300 acres.

    Industrial Park first phase

    The first phase of the project will be to design the interchange infrastructure that will be needed to manage cars coming in and going back out of the park from and to Union Pacific Railroad.

    Work in this phase will include:

    • A wye (triangular junction) that will make it possible for trains to come and go from any direction
    • Landing tracks large enough to handle any size train
    • Drop and pull tracks to manage the interchange between the Union Pacific Railroad and the rail operator in the park

    TGB will work closely with the team, which includes a rail operator, to ensure that all phases are designed for maximum operational efficiency.

    About

    Bridges business more efficiently than any commercial or industrial land development in the Laredo, Texas, area. The intersection of IH-35 and SH 255, located within its mixed-use center, provides close proximity to downtown Laredo, the Laredo-Columbia Solidarity International Bridge, the Nuevo Laredo International Bridge III, and Mexico.

    This easy access makes it a natural fit for transportation terminals, cold storage and manufacturing.

    Hire the best for your next engineering and design project

    For more information on the project or to learn how TGB Group can assist you with your next engineering and design project, contact Mike Murphy, TGB Group President, at (866) 217-7794.

  • 2023 South Texas Transportation Conference Sponsorship

    2023 South Texas Transportation Conference Sponsorship

    The 2023 South Texas Transportation Conference is being held in Victoria, Texas

    The Transportation Committee of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 2023 South Texas Transportation Conference, and TGB Group has joined as one of its sponsors.

    The conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will take place at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex at 7403 Lone Tree Road in Victoria.

    What to expect at the 2023 South Texas Transportation Conference

    The 10th annual edition of the conference revolves around the theme “Growth Through Infrastructure and Opportunity.” The primary objective is to address transportation issues that have a direct impact on our daily lives.

    To achieve this goal, the chamber has created an exciting program with expert speakers who will talk about important transportation topics. We expect a day full of insightful discussions.

    Here are some of the planned sessions.

    Session: Port of Calhoun Dredging Project

    Learn about developments within the Port of Calhoun’s dredging project, work that has significant importance to the regional economy and maritime activities.

    Session: DOW Chemical’s Modular Nuclear Reactor

    Stay informed at the 2023 South Texas Transportation Conference about this nuclear reactor project by DOW Chemical and the impact it’s expected to have on the transportation sector.

    Session: Green Energy – Transportation Fuels

    Get information about the world of green energy and how it affects transportation fuels. This presentation will center on sustainability and environmental concerns.

    Session: Update on the Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi

    Hear about the latest developments in the Harbor Bridge project in Corpus Christi, a critical transportation hub for the region.

    Keynote speech

    A highlight of the 2023 South Texas Transportation Conference will be the keynote speech by Chris Carucci of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad. Carucci will share his insights into the recent Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Railroad merger and outline some of the exciting prospects for the combined rail network. If you’re interested in the transportation industry, this is a presentation you don’t want to miss.

    Partner of the Year recognition

    In light of its outstanding contributions, the TxDOT Maritime Division will be recognized as the South Texas Transportation Partner of the Year. In addition, the Transportation Committee will award three scholarships to deserving high school engineering students to support new engineering talent moving into the industry.

    TGB Group’s sponsorship of the conference is an exciting way to show our support for the growth and development of the transportation industry in Victoria and the broader South Texas region.

    south texas transportation conference
  • New Alabama Rail Project

    New Alabama Rail Project

    Work will include topographic survey, track design and 8,000+ feet of new track

    TGB Group has been chosen for an important role in the Arrowhead Landfill track expansion project in Uniontown, Alabama. The comprehensive rail project will bring significant and needed improvements to the region’s rail infrastructure and promises to deliver numerous benefits to the local community.

    TGB Group’s partnership with RailWorks Track Systems, LLC, underlines the size of this expansion project. With our combined expertise, we’re ready to bring this project to fruition, meeting timelines and all specifications within the master plan.

    Key rail project components

    The project includes a variety of components:

    • The installation of new No. 10 turnouts
    • The removal and re-installation of existing No. 10 turnouts
    • The removal and reconstruction of more than 250 track feet of existing rail
    • The installation of more than 8,000 track feet of new rail

    Serving as a link for Norfolk Southern, Arrowhead Landfill holds major possibilities for improving the region’s transportation and logistics capabilities once the rail project is complete. By expanding existing rail infrastructure, it will contribute to more efficient and sustainable waste management processes that will benefit the environment and the local community.

    The TGB team is playing a versatile role in the Arrowhead rail project by contributing:

    • Topographic survey
    • Track design
    • Construction staking/layout
    • As-builts

    Our involvement reflects our commitment to delivering comprehensive and high-quality solutions that meet the complex demands of projects of this magnitude.

    As work on the Arrowhead Landfill track expansion project progresses, the TGB Group and RailWorks Track Systems, LLC partnership will be closely watched as a driving force behind positive change in rail infrastructure development.

    Let’s talk about your rail project

    If you’d like to consider our professional services for an upcoming project or want to know more about how we approach this work, please contact TGB Group Steven Surratt at (866) 217-7794.

  • Industrial Park Partnership

    Industrial Park Partnership

    Here’s an overview of our partnership with Industrial Park

    TGB Group is thrilled to provide an update on our ongoing partnership with Industrial Park in Mont Belvieu, Texas, and the park expansion project. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store.

    1. Additional storage yard expansion

    We’re currently working on the design of an additional storage yard, Yard Number 2, with a capacity to accommodate 305 cars. This expansion will boost Industrial Park’s capacity for efficient storage.

    2. 1000-car storage yard at Industrial Park

    Our team is hard at work designing a massive 1,000-car storage yard. This colossal yard will cover nearly 100,000 square feet of rail design, ensuring the park’s capacity to store a significant number of railcars.

    3. Transload track area

    To facilitate seamless transitions, we’re crafting a cutting-edge transload track area. This zone will enable the smooth transfer of goods from railcars to trucks, trailers and loaders for offloading purposes.

    4. UPRR arrival and departure tracks

    We’re finalizing the design for Union Pacific Railroad’s (UPRR) arrival and departure tracks, optimizing rail operations at the park.

    Our team is truly honored to be the preferred choice for this critical expansion project, and we look forward to more opportunities that may come our way.

    Together, we’re helping to shape the future of this industrial hub and foster continued growth and success. Stay tuned for more updates as our collaboration with evolves!

    Who is TGB Group?

    Based in Spring, Texas, TGB Group provides a full menu of professional civil engineering, consulting and design services the United States. Most of our work is in the rail industry, where we assist in project management, site development, strategic planning and multiple design services.

    To discuss an upcoming project or learn more about our services, contact us at (866) 217-7794 or use our handy contact form.

    The TGB Team

  • An Overview of Our Latest Rail Infrastructure Development Project

    An Overview of Our Latest Rail Infrastructure Development Project

    TGB’s Progress: Contracted for final construction documents for a Southeast Texas project

    TGB Group is proud to announce its latest milestone in collaboration with a valued customer in the Southeast Texas area. This partnership showcases TGB’s commitment to delivering exceptional results in the realm of rail infrastructure development.

    Originally entrusted with the task of producing 30% design documents and a preliminary budget estimate in November 2022, TGB’s expertise in design and planning came to the forefront. These documents, along with the budget estimate, were meticulously crafted to align with the customer’s vision, requirements and project goals for rail infrastructure development.

    In March 2023, TGB delivered these documents, marking a crucial step in the project’s journey.

    In a clear demonstration of our team’s commitment and skill, the customer reaffirmed their trust in May 2023 by granting the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the creation of final construction documents. This significant step not only solidified the partnership but also showcased the unwavering confidence in TGB’s capability to transform ideas into concrete outcomes.

    Rail infrastructure development scope

    The scope of this ambitious design project includes:

    • 28,900 track feet of rail to secure connectivity and efficient transportation
    • 23 turnouts to help smooth transitions and maneuverability
    • 15,000 steel ties, components that are required for structural integrity
    • 21,500 tons of ballast to contribute to stability and longevity
    • 29,000 tons of sub ballast, a foundation for the project’s durability
    • A significant number of culverts, thoughtfully sized for effective drainage solutions

    Anticipation grows as the project prepares for its next phases. With plans to initiate the bidding process in January 2024, the construction stage will launch in March 2024 and should run for nine months.

    TGB’s attention to detail, adherence to deadlines and commitment to quality in this project set the stage for a successful and transformative endeavor.

    For additional information about this rail infrastructure development project or other TGB Group projects, contact Steven Surratt, Business Development, at (817) 487-0193.

  • This Year’s 2023 AREMA Annual Conference is Being Held in Indianapolis

    This Year’s 2023 AREMA Annual Conference is Being Held in Indianapolis

    TGB Group will sponsor “Meet the Next Generation”

    The largest North American railway conference and exhibition is coming to Indianapolis.  The 2023 AREMA Annual Conference, in conjunction with Railway Interchange, is scheduled for October 1-4, 2023 at the Indiana Convention Center.  This will be an outstanding opportunity to learn from industry experts about trends that will impact the future.

    “Meet the Next Generation”

    TGB Group is proud to be a sponsor of the “Meet the Next Generation” event at the 2023 AREMA Annual Conference.  This event has been extremely successful in past years and continues to grow each year with more attendees and companies hosting tables at the networking reception.  We hope to make the 13th annual event the best ever!

    “Meet the Next Generation” will give prospective employees and students an opportunity to learn about the railroad industry and meet representatives from many of its companies.  It’s a fantastic way for people moving into the workforce to get a feel for the industry and make informed decisions about employment options.

    For rail industry representatives, it’s a fantastic way to establish relationships with potential employees who can be assets to their companies and organizations now and in the future.

    Why attend the 2023 AREMA Annual Conference?

    The conference will give you a chance to sharpen your skills through a variety of sessions with industry-expert presenters across the four days.  You’ll expand your knowledge on important topics like emergencies, remediation and sustainability.  There will be plenty of opportunities to participate in discussions about safety solutions and explore new ideas through engaging case studies and overviews of products and services that affect our industry.

    Depending on your state’s policies, you may be eligible for Professional Development Hours to maintain your certification.

    This conference is designed for YOU

    If you work in railroad communications, engineering, maintenance-of-way, passenger & transit, signals & information technology, track structure, or any other segment of the rail industry, you owe it to yourself to attend the 2023 AREMA Annual Conference.

    Get more information about registration here.

    Learn more about the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association here.

    We hope to see you at the conference!

    The TGB Team

  • TGB Group Now Providing Civil Engineering and Design Services in Alabama

    TGB Group Now Providing Civil Engineering and Design Services in Alabama

    We’re currently working with an Alabama lumber mill

    TGB Group is proud to announce that we’re now offering civil engineering and design services in Alabama.  We launched projects last year in Arizona and New Mexico, and now we’re moving into the Yellowhammer State.

    Our Alabama project is for a large lumber mill.  The project began with consultation meetings with the client to select a scale for railcars that would meet their needs.

    After we selected the type of scale – in this case, a weigh in motion scale – we interviewed scale companies and evaluated their products and proposals.  We’re now designing a new track for the client that will include turnouts at both ends and the new scale at the mid-point of the track to allow rail cars to be weighed before passing on to the unloading station.  The project will begin construction in the middle of 2023.

    Arizona & New Mexico projects

    Arizona projects included the planning and civil design of two separate neighborhoods, a railroad scale and track project and another railroad track project.  We are also working on a large, rail-served industrial park in Arizona.

    In New Mexico last year, we worked on a rail expansion project that connected two sets of shorter tracks to make two long tracks.  This was to give the client additional storage capacity for their growing business.  We are currently working with a client on a large unit train facility that includes capacity for 20 or more trains per month, laydown space for materials, the relocation of a large detention pond, drainage for the site and more than two miles of roadway.

    Learn more about our civil engineering and design services in Alabama

    If you’d like to know more about our initial Alabama project, we’d love to speak with you about it.

    If you have a rail-related project anywhere in the U.S. that needs an experienced team to make it a success, please contact us.  We’ll get to know you and your project and determine how we can help you meet your objectives.

    The TGB Team

  • Gather and Learn at the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting

    Gather and Learn at the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting

    Mark your calendar for this important railroad industry event in Austin

    The Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association has announced the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting, coming up Feb. 13 and 14 in Austin, Texas.  Rail firms, engineering companies, railroad consultants and many other professionals consider this event one that shouldn’t be missed.

    Check back with the association’s website as details on the meeting are published.

    Why we’re attending the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting

    TGB Group tries to make all the “key” meetings and events that are related to our civil engineering and project management work in the railroad industry.  Texas Short Line meetings are always a priority for our team because we get to learn the most current news and information that could and does affect our business and the Texas rail industry as a whole.

    We encourage you to make plans for the TSLRRA 2022 Annual Meeting.  Maybe we’ll see you there!

    About the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

    If you’re not familiar with the TSLRRA, here are some highlights about the association and the state of the rail industry.

    A lot is riding on short lines

    Short line rail serves companies and industries with more than 475,000 employees who generate $56 billion in economic value-add.

    Locally owned and operated

    Texas short line railroads are often locally owned and operated and are critical parts of the communities they serve.

    Want to save on gas costs?

    Freight transport is highly economical: a ton of freight moved across 479 miles of short line track uses only one gallon of diesel fuel.

    That’s a lot of freight

    Each year, close to 380 million tons of freight are moved along Texas railroads.

    The environment likes rail transport

    Rail transportation of freight creates 75% fewer greenhouse gases than trucks and accounts for just 0.6% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

    TSLRRA provides comprehensive services

    • Active in legislative & regulatory issues
    • Advocates for advancing safe railway operations
    • Provides industry education & professional training
    • Promotes ethical operating & business standards
    • Supports responsible environmental practices
    • Partners with government and private industry for economic growth

    Learn more about the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

    Make plans to attend the 2022 TSLRRA Annual Meeting

    If you haven’t already marked your calendar, do it now and don’t miss out on what will surely be a fantastic annual meeting and a chance to network and renew acquaintances.

    The TGB Group