The nation's railroad crossings are set to receive $5 billion over five years for safety and efficiency improvements from a grant program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced recently.
More than $573 million in grants will be made available this year for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program, (RCEP), the DOT announced in June. The grant program will be administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, according to the announcement, with at least 20% going to rural and Tribal areas.
"In too many communities across America, outdated railroad crossings are unsafe, result in lengthy wait times, and can even create significant delays in our supply chains," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the announcemet. "With resources from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can improve rail crossings and help people and goods get where they need to go more safely."
The RCEP will support projects that build "grade separations" including over- and underpasses, crossings closures, track relocation and the installation of warning devices related to the separation or closure; environmental reviews, and planning and preliminary designs are also eligible for grants, the DOT states. Proposals will be evaluated on their ability to improve safety, reduce emissions, hire locally and bolster the economy, according to the DOT.
“The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will make many grade crossings safer or eliminate them altogether in the coming years,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said in the announcement. “The projects funded by the program demonstrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s lasting impact on communities by strengthening their infrastructure, reducing congestion, and saving lives.”
