Article: 2009 crosstie report: purchases are down across the market, but Class 1s continue to focus on maintenance spending while regional, shortline and transits are holding to see if the stimulus promise becomes reality.

The jury is still out on the tie market of 2009. Purchases for the first part of the year are on a par with 2008 numbers, driven by the rail-commitment to upgrading infrastructure. However, the remainder of the year is expected to see a softening of purchases with the effects of the slow economy expected to be felt into 2010 and possibly beyond. What follows is a roundup of what's new to the industry, what the rest of 2009 may bring and what could be right around the corner in 2010. Visit the new www.rtands.com for additional comments and photos.

RTA

Jim Gauntt, executive director of The Railway Tie Association, calls this year's tie market surprising ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!