The Construction of Railways

The United States has a long history of railways.

Railroad construction has a long history in the United States dating back to the 1700s. The railway remains a main mode of transportation in the 21st century and a source of employment for many American workers.

History

The railroad dates back to the 1700s.

The first railroad of sorts, called a tramroad -- built in 1764 for the military -- was in New York. Many years later, in 1826, a commercial tramroad was built in Massachusetts. In 1826, John Stevens introduced steam locomotion and four years later construction began on the Baltimore and Ohio railway.

Labor

The Rail Transportation and Operations Agreement guides companies on construction.

According to The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Organization, the organization formed in the early 1970s so unionized contractors could bargain with labor workers to form a national agreement. That agreement, signed by 20 American railroad construction companies, is The Rail Transportation and Operations Agreement. It guides companies in railway construction.

Plans

Construction is ongoing on United States railways.

Railroad construction still takes place as new railroad stations are built and tracks are updated. The railroad industry employs thousands of people throughout the United States through companies such as Amtrak, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.

References

• The Pacific Northwest Railway Museum: Railroad History
• History of Railroads and Maps: The Beginnings of American Railroads and Mapping
• The National Railroad Construction and Maitanence Association: NRC and Labor
• The Ledger: Road Watch: A Guide to Closings and Construction

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish