DM&E PTC Compliance: Wabtec I-ETMS Boosts Safety in Minnesota, Iowa, SD

**DM&E’s full compliance with Positive Train Control (PTC), using Wabtec’s I-ETMS, is now operational across 1,000 miles. This major safety milestone was completed under budget.**

DM&E PTC Compliance: Wabtec I-ETMS Boosts Safety in Minnesota, Iowa, SD
June 3, 2017 2:08 am
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Introduction

In February 2024, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced that the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation (DM&E) has achieved full compliance with Positive Train Control (PTC) on its rail lines. This milestone covers approximately 1,000 miles of track across the states of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota.

PTC System Implementation

DM&E’s PTC system, which became operational on December 28, 2023, utilizes Wabtec’s Interoperable Electronic Train Management (I-ETMS) technology. The FRA’s certification confirms that DM&E’s system meets all federal requirements. The total project cost was $70.9 million.

Compliance Details

The FRA’s final certification covered the DM&E’s entire network. The PTC system is designed to automatically stop a train if the crew fails to comply with speed restrictions or signals. The project included the installation of over 2,000 wayside devices, the retrofitting of 70 locomotives, and the training of over 300 employees. The project was completed ahead of the December 31, 2023, deadline.

Financial and Operational Aspects

The project was funded by a combination of sources, including $33.7 million in grants from the FRA, $24 million from DM&E parent company Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and $13.2 million from other sources. CPKC acquired the DM&E in 2008. The implementation of PTC is expected to enhance safety and operational efficiency on the DM&E lines.

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Conclusion

The DM&E’s full compliance with Positive Train Control (PTC), using Wabtec’s I-ETMS technology, represents a significant safety upgrade for its operations across Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota, completed with a budget of $70.9 million.

Company Summary

Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation (DM&E): A railroad company operating approximately 1,000 miles of track in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. DM&E was acquired by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) in 2008.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC): The parent company of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation (DM&E).

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): The agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the safety of the U.S. railroad system.

Technology

Interoperable Electronic Train Management (I-ETMS): Wabtec’s Positive Train Control (PTC) technology used by DM&E.

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