In the News: RT&S Spotlights Hicks in Freight Rail Perspectives Feature

Kevin Hicks, GFT’s freight and rail market sector leader, was featured in Railway Track & Structures’ March 2026 “Engineering Perspectives” coverage. In his column, Hicks points to a steady outlook for freight rail, with safety performance improving and Class I investment continuing in bridge, track, and yard programs, supported by federal grants for sidings, terminals, and grade separations.

Hicks also notes that the delivery environment is less forgiving. Outage windows are shrinking, costs are rising, and railroad leaders are placing more focus on risk, return, and schedule certainty. His perspective emphasizes early alignment across planning, engineering, and construction support, along with deliberate knowledge transfer as experienced railroaders retire and younger staff step into complex roles. “Execution depends on integration, data, and people working together from the start,” Hicks wrote.