The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that it has awarded more than $1.1 billion in Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program funds to 123 rail projects, improving or investigating more than 1,000 highway-rail grade crossings nationwide.
With more than 2,000 incidents and 200 deaths each year, grade crossing accidents are the second leading cause of rail-related fatalities in the United States. In addition, the gridlock caused by slow-moving or stalled trains at rail crossings costs American families time and resources. It can cut off access roads and delay the arrival of first responders at emergency scenes.
Rail grants to communities in 41 states will build rail overpasses and underpasses. These fund safety improvements will save lives, and make improvements that will result in safer communities for pedestrians, motorists, and rail workers and passengers. In particular, the construction of new overpasses and underpasses will eliminate the risk of collisions between trains and road users and prevent blocked crossings that delay motorists and emergency responders alike. This will greatly improve safety, mobility and connectivity for local communities nationwide.
“The Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program funding we’re announcing today is a sweeping effort that directly supports cities, towns, and villages in every region of the country in their efforts to protect lives, prevent drivers being delayed by blocked crossings, and improve the overall quality of life for their citizens,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
