Progress Rail locomotives were part of two announcements on April 9, 2026. Lake State Railway Co. received four new EMD SD70ACe-Tier 4 units. Progress Rail also reached a tie agreement with Triton Group.

Progress Rail delivers 4 locomotives to LSRC, reaches Triton tie deal
LSRC’s distinction as the first short line operating new high-power Tier 4 units contributed to LSRC being named the recipient of the ASLRRA’s 2026 Green Spark Award, Progress Rail officials said.
Photo – aslrra.org

Progress Rail locomotives support LSRC fleet renewal

Progress Rail has completed delivery to Lake State Railway Co. of four EMD SD70ACe-Tier 4 locomotives. The move supports the Michigan short line’s sustainability objectives.

At the same time, LSRC is retiring five older locomotives. Their average service age is 40 years.

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According to a Progress Rail press release, the new locomotives use less fuel. Also, they include the company’s Uptime IQ analytics platform. The platform is intended to help operators use maintenance data. It is also intended to keep locomotives in service longer and improve reliability.

Progress Rail officials also cited idle-reduction technology and a recycling program. In addition, they cited waste-oil heating at its locomotive facility. They also cited participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program.

Meanwhile, they also cited LSRC’s status. It is the first short line operating new high-power Tier 4 units. They said those factors helped the railroad earn the 2026 Green Spark Award. The award is from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. LSRC is scheduled to be recognized at the ASLRRA annual conference next week in Minneapolis.

Triton Group composite railroad ties

Separately, Progress Rail has reached an agreement with Triton Group. The agreement makes Progress Rail the exclusive seller and marketer of Triton’s composite railroad ties.

Progress Rail officials said the ties are intended for high-decay, high-load and high-humidity environments. In those settings, wood deteriorates more quickly.

Still, they said the product can reduce maintenance costs. It can also extend service life and support sustainability targets.

According to Progress Rail, the two companies will assist railroads with site evaluations. Also, they will support pilot installations, engineering reviews and deployment.

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