Historic $1.1 Billion New Rail Grants Announced by Biden-Harris Administration

The Biden-Harris administration has announced $1.1 billion in new rail grants to improve rail safety and eliminate blocked crossings across 41 states. This investment marks a historic milestone for infrastructure improvements in the United States. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has confirmed that this funding will go toward 123 rail projects across the country. These projects will eliminate or upgrade over 1,000 highway-rail crossings, addressing critical safety issues for both pedestrians and motorists. This initiative is the largest investment in grade crossing safety in FRA history and underscores the administration’s commitment to modernizing U.S. transportation infrastructure.

New Rail Grants Enhance Safety and Connectivity Nationwide

The new rail grants focus on creating safer railways by constructing overpasses and underpasses, which eliminate the risk of collisions and prevent delays caused by blocked crossings. These improvements benefit local communities by enhancing mobility and connectivity while ensuring faster response times for emergency vehicles.

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In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the grants fund safety improvements, such as advanced signaling systems and fencing, aimed at protecting pedestrians, motorists, and rail workers. By addressing these challenges, the administration is tackling issues that have long plagued residents across the country, from rural towns to bustling cities.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “These investments directly support cities and towns in their efforts to protect lives, prevent delays, and improve overall quality of life.” The FRA has received more than 26,000 complaints about blocked crossings in the past year, demonstrating the urgency of addressing these issues through initiatives like the new rail grants program.

Investments Under New Rail Grants Transform Communities Across the U.S.

Arizona’s Hualapai Tribal Diamond Creek Road project will construct a grade-separated overpass and install fencing along tribal lands. This project enhances safety for residents and aligns with FRA’s criteria for infrastructure improvements in high-risk areas. The $22.9 million project will also receive contributions from the Hualapai Tribal Council and BNSF Railway, ensuring a strong partnership between federal and local stakeholders.

South Carolina’s Assembly Street project, valued at $204.2 million, will consolidate freight operations and create safer rail crossings in Columbia. This initiative not only reduces delays for motorists but also boosts freight mobility in the region. Similar improvements are being made in Illinois through the $43.1 million CREATE Project GS1, which will modernize infrastructure in Chicago and reduce vehicle delays caused by rail traffic.

North Carolina is leveraging $3 million from the program to establish the Rail Technical Assistance Program (RailTAP). This education and training initiative focuses on reducing accidents by teaching rail safety practices to workers, first responders, and community members. The program emphasizes the importance of public awareness in preventing rail-related injuries and fatalities.

Expanding Passenger Rail Services with New Rail Grants

Beyond freight rail improvements, the FRA has allocated $146 million to bolster intercity passenger rail services. These grants, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to expand and enhance popular routes across the country.

California’s Pacific Surfliner will benefit from $27.1 million to improve the Los Angeles–San Diego corridor. Florida’s Brightline service, connecting Miami to Orlando, receives $33.8 million to accommodate growing demand. Other key routes include Amtrak’s Gulf Coast service, North Carolina’s Piedmont route, and the Borealis service between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

These investments ensure long-term success for passenger rail by improving speed, reliability, and convenience. Local communities will enjoy increased access to rail services, boosting regional economies and reducing road congestion.

The Biden-Harris administration’s new rail grants program reflects a transformative effort to modernize rail infrastructure. By addressing critical safety issues, eliminating delays, and expanding passenger services, these investments pave the way for a more efficient and connected transportation future.

With projects benefiting 41 states, this initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to safety, mobility, and economic growth. Communities nationwide will experience the long-term benefits of these historic investments.

For more information about the selected projects and grant programs, visit the Federal Railroad Administration’s website.

Source: www.transportation.gov

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