USDOT Announces $488 Million in BUILD Grants with Rail Investments

The USDOT announced $488 million in BUILD grant funding on July 15, highlighting projects that strengthen infrastructure and improve transportation efficiency across the United States. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

While roads and bridges dominate with 77% of total funding, rail projects received $3.2 million, and some multimodal initiatives include significant rail improvements. These targeted investments support safer travel and better freight connectivity nationwide.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that these selections aim to enhance safety, boost port capacity, and create infrastructure that stands as “the envy of the world.” Full details of all projects are still pending release.

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USDOT Highlights Rail Components in Key Projects

One major award of $25 million will fund flood control and intermodal upgrades in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, between Interstate 380 and a Union Pacific rail line. Plans include a 0.3-mile levee, road realignment, a railroad floodgate, and a pedestrian bridge.

Another $25 million goes to the Port of Bristol, Pennsylvania. The project features rail system upgrades, a new 1,100-foot dock, modernized offloading equipment, and dredging to accommodate larger vessels and improve cargo flow through the port.

Additional USDOT Support for Rail and Freight Studies

Snohomish County, Washington, will receive $2 million for constructing 13,000 feet of new BNSF mainline track, adding a 4,300-foot siding, and realigning an existing main line to improve curve geometry and operational efficiency.

Cleveland, Ohio, secures $1.2 million for a study on a multimodal hub and intermodal freight improvements along the city’s waterfront. These projects aim to reduce congestion, strengthen resilience, and enhance supply chain performance.

While rail accounts for a smaller share of funding, USDOT’s BUILD grants reflect a long-term strategy to modernize multimodal transport, reduce bottlenecks, and drive economic growth across critical freight corridors.

Source: www.trains.com

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