WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded more than $570 million for grade-crossing elimination projects in 32 states, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced today.
The funds, from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, will fund a total of 63 projects, addressing more than 400 grade crossing by separating roads and rail rights-of-way, closing crossings, and improving existing crossings. The FRA also awarded $15.7 million for planning and $33.1 million for project development and design to build a pipeline of projects for future funding.
“The Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program is another critical tool that FRA is using to make a lasting impact on the safety and transportation needs of communities nationwide,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said in a press release. “With these project selections and the many more that are to come, we will save lives and reshape infrastructure in ways that allow individuals to move through their neighborhoods seamlessly and safely.”
The full list of projects receiving funding is available here. The largest funding amounts are going to Pelham, Ala., where up to $41,766,038 will fund an overpass over a CSX Transportation rail line, eliminating two grade crossings on Shelby County Road 52, and Washougal, Wash., which will receive up to $40,480,000 for an underpass at the BNSF Railway tracks, which will involve reconstruction of five intersections along 32nd Street.
Five other projects, in Los Angeles County, Calif.; Hauser, Idaho; Grand Forks, N.D.; Santa Teresa, N.M.; and Houston received $30 million or more in funding.
“Every year, commuters, residents, and first responders lose valuable time waiting at blocked railroad crossings – and worse, those crossings are too often the site of collisions that could be prevented,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re improving rail crossings in communities across the country to save lives, time, and resources for American families.”
The Association of American Railroads praised the grants.
“The safest, best crossing is no crossing at all,” AAR CEO Ian Jefferies said in a statement. “The projects selected for this initial round of investment will advance safety and reduce traffic delays, while also keeping goods moving across the nation. Everyone wins through this type of smart infrastructure investment, and railroads are proud to support this transformational program.”
Outside of the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, railroads work collaboratively with local road authorities, private property owners and the U.S. Department of Transportation to identify grade crossings that can be consolidated, upgraded or closed. Since 2005, the total number of at-grade crossings across the nation has declined by 10%.
but how will railfans be able to view trains and get access at franklin park in illinios and fostoria railroad park in ohio ?
Too much money for studies. Better most spent in actually eliminating grade crossings.