The Federal Railroad Administration recently announced more than $368 million in grant funding to 32 states and the District of Columbia to improve rail infrastructure and enhance and strengthen supply chains.
These funds come from the Consolidated Tail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, according to a June 2 Department of Transportation news release.
“Americans deserve a world-class rail system that allows people and goods to get where they need to go more quickly and affordably, while reducing traffic and pollution on our roads," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. "We're proud to award these grants to improve passenger rail for riders and strengthen the freight rail that underpins our supply chains and makes our economy work."
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is to received up to $8 million to replace a wooden bridge from 1917 with a concrete structure, according to a June 3 San Diego Union-Tribune article. This new structure will be wide enough for a second set of tracks.
“Improving the safety, capacity and reliability of the LOSSAN rail corridor is a top priority for SANDAG," Sharon Humphreys, SANDAG’s director of engineering and construction, said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Approximately three-quarters of the 60-mile route in San Diego has thus far been double tracked, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Additionally, SANDAG and the North County Transit District, which operates the commuter train on the route in question, are expected to provide a 42% match with the grant.
"These investments will play a crucial role in modernizing our country’s rail infrastructure and strengthening supply chains, helping to reduce congestion and get people and goods where they need to go quickly and more affordably," the agency said, according to the news release. "The program will create good-paying jobs and benefit urban and rural communities across the country."
