The Biden-Harris administration recently announced funding for 63 projects in 32 states with the intent of reducing train-vehicle collisions and blocked rail crossings in the U.S.
The Federal Railroad Administration unveiled a significant investment in eliminating railroad crossings that impede vehicle and pedestrian movement, announcing the allocation of approximately $570 million in funding through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program to improve safety and accessibility at more than 400 at-grade crossings throughout the country, according to a June 5 news release.
"For 30 years, the City of Grand Forks has sought to eliminate its 42nd Street rail crossing - alleviating 100+ vehicle-hours of delay per day and allowing residents to save time & money. Today, we announced the federal funds to finally get the job done," Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in a June 5 Twitter post.
Additional announcements regarding grant programs focused on freight rail safety, supply chain strengthening and passenger rail network expansions are expected in the coming months, the release reported.
Several states, including Texas, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Iowa and Washington will benefit from grant funding to improve railroad crossings, the release said. The funding will support the construction and upgrade of infrastructure while also allocating funds for planning and project development.
The administration is prioritizing projects in rural and Tribal areas, with a commitment to giving 22% of the funds to these regions, according to the release.
"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," Buttigieg said in the release. "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 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 the 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.”
