Category: Blog

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World’s Longest Railways

Countries with the Longest Railways

From the United States to Brazil, you will find a railway system in nearly every country. The larger the country, the bigger the railway system will be. This is due to these countries knowing that their people need efficient transportation and they cannot survive on car alone. Here is a list of the longest railway systems all over the world.

Longest Railways around the World

The United States is home to the longest rail system in the world. The operating length is 250,000 km, about 80% of the line is dedicated to freight lines and the remaining 20% devoted to passenger lines. Among the lines are 538 railroads operated by private organizations. Amtrak, the passenger railway, has more than 30 routes that connects 46 states. The railway network is not set to stop there since there are plans to add 27,000 km of high speed railways by 2030.

Not to be left behind is China’s rail network whose route length expands over 100,000 km. Second biggest in the world, their network is ran by the China Railway Corporation. It is the principal mode of transportation in China carrying 2.08 billion passengers. There are 90,000 km of standard passenger railways and 10,000 km of high speed railways. It is also an invaluable asset when it comes to shipping freight as it carries 3.22 billion tons of it. As with the United States, there is plans to expand the rail network to over 270,000 by 2050.

Comin in third is Russia’s rail network at 85,000km. That does not mean it is not as nearly impressive as the U.S. and China’s rail system. Carrying 1.08 billion passengers and 1.2 billion tons of freight, Russia’s railway system can hold its own. Run by state-owned Russian Railways, their lines connect to many European and Asian national railways such as Finland, France, China, and Mongolia. There are plans to renovate their high speed rails since they proved inefficient due to sharing lines with low-speed trains.

Railroad Construction in Anaheim

The common thread amongst the railways mentioned above is expansion of the railway networks. Since railroads are relied upon for more than passenger commutes, countries still rely on them for the shipment of goods across the country. Especially in big metropolises such as Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

At Sharp & Fellows Inc. we provide our expertise to and skills to rail networks when they need to expand their lines. For more information, visit our site or contact us at (310)323-7784.

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Continuing a Long Tradition: The Los Angeles Metro Rail System

Traveling by Rail

When a commuter thinks of getting around Los Angeles and their mind head directly to thoughts of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeways. There is one form or transportation that has not only been around for years but continues to thrive: trains. The heart of Los Angeles train rides is located in Union Station but spreads out all across the city.

The Past, Present, and Future of the Los Angeles Railway

The Metro railway has recently celebrated their 25 anniversary on July 14th. The rail started out as a single line, the Blue line that spanned 22 miles and only 22 stops.  It has now expanded into various lines that stop at 80 rail stations covering 87 miles of rail. Since its inception, the Metro Rail has become an integral part of the Los Angeles transportation system. Commuters are now able to travel from Los Angeles to Orange County and Riverside with greater ease than in a vehicle.

Just because the Metro Rail has made excellent strides in the past 25 years does not mean they are finished just yet. Currently, they are planning a high-speed rail which will leave from Union Station to San Francisco in a matter of 2 hours and 40 minutes. There is also plans to construct a line that travels from Crenshaw to LAX, which would be extremely convenient for those who need to get to and from the airport without much hassle. Rather than be satisfied with the status quo of current lines, they are expanding the Expo and Gold Lines. Due to these latter upgrades, the rail system will now span over 113 miles across Los Angeles County.

Railroad Track Construction in Los Angeles

The Metro Rail has not been this successful on pure luck. It takes a considerable amount of time and planning to create an effective system. As a railroad contractor, the associates at Sharp & Fellows Inc. have the expertise and experience required for your rail service needs. Whether you need a new design or in need of an inspection, we have the services for you. For additional information, view our projects online.

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The Angelino Commuter’s Ally: Railroad Transportation

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Getting to Work on Time

If there is anything Los Angeles residents can appreciate the most is not being stuck in traffic to and from work. Many of us know that those occurrences are few and far between. For those who have to travel a good hour or more for work can appreciate any form of transportation that can get you there faster and aggravation free, which is what the train offers to its riders.

Benefits to Taking the Train to Work

Taking the train, which was once the norm, has never really left and has seen a resurgence of the railroad commuter. Here are some many wonderful benefits of ditching your car in favor of this classic mode of transportation.

While being completely safe, the average train travels top speed at 150 MPH, when compared to the 60 to 70 miles one might travel on the given freeway, this is more than double the speed. Meaning that you can get to your destination much faster. Especially when you factor in that most of the time spent in standstill traffic, the train is a straight shot from station to station.

Being on the train also gives you the luxury of sitting back and mentally preparing for your day ahead. Now that you no longer have to worry about jumping over lanes to get your exit, you can refocus that energy to prepping for a big meeting or enjoy a cup of coffee. After work commutes can be the perfect time to shake off the work day to be fully present when you get home.

In times when gas prices soar and car maintenance is expensive, you can save money on both front by investing in a monthly pass. You will be glad when you do not have to shell out the same amount of money per week at the pump that equals a month of train rides.

Los Angeles Railroad Construction

Another great benefit of taking the train can partake in a mode of transportation that many commuters have used for decades. At Sharp & Fellows, we ensure that the trains continue to run with ease for commuters. Our services include track construction and maintenance along with design. We have over 130 years of expertise to serve your needs. For additional information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at (310)3237784.

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All Aboard!

The resurgence of the railroad

The railroad cannot be held down for long! The once mighty transportation method is experiencing a renaissance (it actually never left, it remains a power among commercial use) within the passenger travel sector. In the United States, a growing young population is beginning to recognize the worth and convenience of the railroad and all that comes with it. The change in perception is being ushered in by a number of other changes, mostly from a societal point of view. Here’s why businesses, municipalities, and consumers need to keep an eye on the railroad industry.

Jam-packed roads and highways

Everywhere you go, especially in major metropolitan areas, traffic is becoming a major presence. And not the presence that it was in the past, where it would habitually occur in tune with rush hour – but constantly, before, after, and during rush hour. Aside from being a major source of pollution and smog, this new form of traffic is just plain frustrating, annoying motorists to no end.

The ever-expanding population

Population has remained a factor as well. Overall, it has declined, both globally and domestically. However, much of the existing population is relocating to the above-mentioned major metropolitan areas. With more people means more commuters driving on the road and more travelers using public transport. And as many of these individuals experience the busy streets and freeways, the need for another, less-crowded option arises.

Millennials and car ownership

Couple that with the millennial’s growing disdain for car ownership and you can see how the railroad enters the topic. Automobiles are too expensive and toxic for today’s youth. When they need to get somewhere – work, school, social outings – the railroad presents an easier, relaxed, and more environmentally-friendly option. Trains can transport more passengers to longer distances quicker than any vehicle can.

The railroad is primed to make a passenger comeback. When it does, it’ll be a boon to society. We, at Sharp and Fellows, are prepared to meet the growing demand for railroad services. For over 130 years, we’ve provided a number of quality railroad design, engineering, and construction services. Our unrivaled experience and professionalism can be an integral piece to any railroad endeavor, just take a look at the many projects we’ve been a part of. Visit our website or call (310)-323-7784 and let’s talk about joining your team!

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The Shipping King

And the perpetual relevance of the railroad

The railroad has been chugging along for over 200 years with no signs of stopping. It has persisted through centuries of vast advancements in engineering and infrastructure. Like all mechanical technologies, it has seen its fair share of minor improvements and adjustments. When it comes down to it, the railroad’s basic functionality has remained hardly untouched, making it a true industrial marvel.

It is still as significant as ever. In today’s increasingly connected world, global and nationwide shipping has greatly amplified. More resources and goods are being sent to more places than ever before. The railroad has adapted to this influx rather easily, re-demonstrating its worth to a variety of industries. Here are two huge reasons why the railroad has remained viable over time.

A cost effective technology

From a financial standpoint, it’s in a business’s best interest to utilize the railroad for shipping purposes. Trucking is another popular option, however when stacked up against the railroad, there is no comparison. Trucking’s reliability on fuel hinders its efficiency. Especially nowadays, where fuel prices fluctuate so sporadically, it doesn’t make for a good investment. Railroads, and the trains that roll on them, aren’t subject to such ebb and flow, allowing many train operators to keep fees competitive.

The sustainability of the railroad

Labor is another huge factor when it comes to illustrating the cost-effectiveness of the railroad. Trains don’t require many operators to pull its linked trucks, which at times can reach 100+. This keeps labor costs down, providing train operators with financial flexibility. This is pertinent considering that labor expenses extend beyond paying workers. It also alleviates the time employers spend on working with the government, either filing paperwork or paying payroll taxes.

Keeping the railroad industry strong

To keep it chugging for another 200 years, extra attention must be given to the railroad. The entities that oversee railroads must be on top of maintenance, lubrication, and inspection. Just as opportunities for new railroad routes and tracks must be taken advantage of. The technology has proven to be a financially and mechanically sound means of shipping, one that performs a great deal while wasting very little. To not foster the continued success of the railroad is to not promote effective growth. We at Sharp & Fellows have been singing the praises of the railroad for over 130 years and will not let the railroad fall behind. Visit our website or call (310)-323-7784 for more information!

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JOBS AND THE RAILROAD


 

The two are invariably linked

The following is information on how infrastructure, especially the railroad, is brimming with employment opportunities. How boosting infrastructure endeavors, more specifically efforts related to the railroad, can revive and sustain local and regional economies.

Unemployment and the economy

Jobs have always been a hot topic throughout the world. Discussions about unemployment, job creation, and other various labor statistics occur every day. Justifiably so, people rely on work to pay their bills and feed their families. Without jobs, it’s not just the unemployed that suffer. All households feel the effect of joblessness as local and regional economies tend to take a dip as well.

It’s important to find reliable sources of work and to invest in them. By continuously putting money into industries with a lot of work, a steady flow of jobs are created and economies suffer less. One such industry is infrastructure. Conceptualization, design, management, construction – it is a haven for both blue and white collar work. Putting money into infrastructure does wonders for local and regional economies worldwide.

Infrastructure, the answer

Infrastructure is important for the obvious reasons. When roads, bridges, railroads, and other structures & facilities are built, economies grow, communities flourish, and people work. It has become apparent through the recent economic woes that we need to better our infrastructure. And not just to patch up some silly crack, but to employ Americans.

The railroad is the epitome of infrastructure. Its construction is an economic boon when it creates jobs. And once completed, it continues to contribute to the economy by transporting goods, the railroad’s fundamental role. This ensures that businesses are actively functioning. As they continue to prosper, and railroads continues to operate, jobs become available in both sectors. In short, more railroads, means more business, means more money, means more expansion, resulting in – you guessed it, more work.

Supporting the railroad means supporting growth

Reinforcing the continued progress of the railroad is very important. If railroad tracks are a part of your jurisdiction, having the tracks revamped, rerouted, or restored needs to be considered. The effect of such a project would be economically positive and widespread. Sharp & Fellows is the firm to call when it’s time to get these projects going. We’ve been in business for 130 years and understand the importance of the railroad. We’re more than ready to help!

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STAYING ON TRACK, THE ADVANTAGES OF RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION

Keeps the commerce of countries rolling

Even in today’s highly technological world, country’s still rely on the power of railway transport for a constant flux of trade, industry, and commerce. For a gamut of reasons, the largely mechanical railroad has remained integral to these three facets. Following is an elucidation of these reasons, and how they have correlated to the prosperity of nations for over 500 years.

Leaves motor vehicles in the dust

The locomotive is able to achieve the same duties as an automobile, but in a greater capacity. Rather, the automobile can achieve the same duties of a locomotive, but in a far lesser capacity. Trains travel further distances than cars, at an exponentially faster rate. In addition, they haul more cargo in one fell swoop than a car ever could; materials, goods, people, livestock, etc.

Always on track

It’s hard to lose a train. They operate on railway tracks. One can assume with great certainty that if a train is set to travel from point A to point B, it will arrive. Although there are ways in which a train can be delayed, the odds of traffic, accidents, or weather seriously inhibiting its trajectory are slim. For the most part, there is only two ways a train can go, forward or backwards. So if isn’t heading towards you, it will be soon.

Industrialization

One of the more invariably essential duties of a train and railway, the speedy mobilization of raw materials is cheaper and faster on the tracks. As a bulk of raw materials reach their destinations more frequently, businesses far and wide can do what they do and contribute to their respective economies. First world countries need trains to maintain their highly productive trade industries. Developing countries need them to stimulate and foster an emerging trade presence.

Railroads and the companies that run them are still very relevant. It’s important that the infrastructure they manage is maintained and functioning optimally. For the professional construction, maintenance, and design services that over 40 clients trust, look no further than industry leaders, Sharp & Fellows. We’ve collected over 130 years of experience and understand the importance of the railway. It is a remarkably important institution and our knowledgeable engineers continuously work towards perfecting and preserving that institution. Visit our website or call (310)-323-7784 for more information.

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The Significance of the Railroad

Sante Fe Springs Railroad Inspection

About 100 years before the first car was invented, iron was being used to deliver goods across the country in ways that had never really been seen before. The beginnings of the modern railroads actually originated in Germany with wagonways. As early as 1550, primitive railroads consisted of wooden rails that horse-drawn wagons or carts moved over. The carts could move over the land with greater ease than over dirt roads. The railroad went on to be a crucial element of the industrial revolution and later the Civil War. Railroads are so significant that they continue to be used today, crisscrossing the nation delivering goods and people. Our railroad inspection team provides oversight for railroads from Los Angeles to San Bernardino, including Sante Fe Springs.

Railroad Construction Anaheim

Railroads played an instrumental role in the formation of our nation. The third largest city in the nation in 1827 was Baltimore, which also had the advantage of a port, but had not yet invested in a canal. They did, however, have a leg up on New York in that they were 200 miles closer to the frontier. Once they realized a railway would make the city more competitive in transporting people and goods to the west, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was born. It was the first railroad charted in the United States, with the first spadeful of earth turned over on July 4, 1828.

The Civil War: Railroad Use

The railroad was a major contributor to both sides during the Civil War. When April of 1961 came around and the two sides hunkered down, the railroad was the main supplier to the front lines of soldiers. An army could only be sustained for so long without supplies, and the railroads served that need. In addition, the trains were sometimes used in combat scenarios. A general could send a train to do reconnaissance and learn about enemy troop movement. The trains were so effective at this because they could reverse at high speeds and get away before the cavalry managed to chase them down. Trains were also used to shuttle in the armies right to the location of the enemy, giving soldiers the opportunity to rest their legs in anticipation of battle.

Los Angeles Railroad Construction

Today, railroads continue to be an important part of society, and Sharp and Fellows Inc. is at the center of that here in southern California. If you are in need of a project design or simply would like your track inspected, you’ve come to the right company.

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Train Transportation Enters a New Age with the Bullet Train

Railroad Track Inspection Riverside

The traditional railroad will see its younger brother, the bullet train, come to California, beginning Tuesday, January 6th. The bullet train will take passengers from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and further to San Diego, and the first construction is now underway. The project is expected to take many years to complete, and currently the funds for the project have not all been established. The groundbreaking will happen in Fresno, with Governor Jerry Brown overseeing the new endeavor. While the project has its detractors, what it does show is that train travel is a viable entity. The train will change the way Californians get around, and make the 6-hour car drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco a thing of the past.

Good and Bad for Railroad Industry

Early evaluations of this project recognize that it is fraught with problems. The nation’s first high-speed rail system will cost a staggering $68 billion dollars, a number which even casually observant citizens recognize as a starting figure, rather than a concrete amount. The advantage of beginning construction in the middle of the state is twofold: 1. Rail officials believe they can get more miles built in the Central Valley, cheaper than Los Angeles or San Francisco 2. This middle leg allows them to test the system. The railroad itself may also pose a problem for other freight railroads.

In a recent LA Times article, two of the nation’s most powerful freight railroads were reported as being concerned about a bullet train will affect their operations. Most of the vitriol that stands opposed to the building of this train concerns the cost of the endeavor, which detractors say is unlikely to be completed. Only time will tell for this major undertaking, which is projected to be completed in 2028.

Railroad Track Consultant

The railroad industry in the United States is changing, but in good ways. This train represents a safe way to transport people quickly, without the inherent risks that airplanes have, especially in regards to terrorists. A train can’t be diverted off its track, and is not capable of nearly the damage that an errant plane is. At Sharp and Fellows, the railroad is our specialty, whether we are building new track or inspecting previous laid track to make amends. If you are looking for a railroad contractor, look no further than the railroad track consultant experts.

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Life at a Different Pace

Returning the Railroad to Los Angeles

Life in the passenger car of a train is a life apart, a life on the inside looking out, with all the creature comforts you could imagine. The railway provides travelers with a means of getting from one place to another in style, free from worry about outside influences. Trains by their very nature are able to fly under the radar, metaphorically speaking, and away from many of the treacherous weather patterns that air travelers endure.

During the holiday season, families and individuals alike will take to the roads and the skies. Some are traveling to get away, others to reunite, while still others are simply seeking a change of scenery. The beauty of a train ride lies in the journey. On a grander scale than airplane travel, train travel is exciting in and of itself. The passing cities, landscapes, and views from the carriage are second to none. In a world that is constantly looking for the next best thing, sometimes it is the old favorites, the classics, that work best. Train travel is comfortable, relaxing, and in some parts of the East coast – comparable to air travel. There are even some journeys that cost the same or less as flying, and can get you there faster overall.

The Future of Transportation in Los Angeles

The immediate future for transportation in Los Angeles is bleak. The 405 alone is one of the most congested and heavily traveled highways in the United States, a fact that any commuter sitting in Friday traffic can attest to. Plans by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will take many years and tax dollars to complete, leaving commuters to find ways to get from point A to point B. The time may come, sooner than most would assume, when a railroad in Los Angeles is necessary for the flow of traffic to be sustained. Train travel allows companies to transport goods – out of the way of daily commuters. In addition, commuters can utilize the trains for a more leisurely form of travel. While car companies continue to create vehicles that are safer, more fuel efficient, and last longer, the solution to worsening traffic conditions could lie on the tracks.

For all of your rail service needs, whether they be new design plans or much-needed repairs, look no further than the railroad contractor experts at Sharp and Fellows.