Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Greg Thomas has approved the issuance of USD 929,004 in grants to improve multimodal freight transport through the KY Rail Crossing Improvement (KRCI) Program. Administered through the KYTC Division of Planning, these funds are used to maintain and improve local and regional railways.
Three applicants submitted requests for rail improvement funds. Awards were issued to Paducah and Louisville Railroad (PAL), RJ Corman Railroad Group (RJC) and Port of Louisville Railroad (LOR) to fund improvements for 16 projects affecting 14 crossings. Awardees will be reimbursed 50% of the total project cost through the program for the USD 1.9 million in rail improvements.
When selecting KRCI awardees, the cabinet examined factors such as crash history, vehicle, train and truck traffic, physical condition, project cost, and the federal rail crossing score. Some of the crossings had average daily traffic counts as high as 13,000 vehicles. Safety improvements include the installation of signals, lights, barriers, gates, bells or other equipment. The majority of projects will have rehabilitate crossing surfaces including pavement, ballast, ties and rail replacements.
“Safety continues to be the first priority of the Cabinet and this extends to all modes of transport. We are pleased to partner with our rail companies to improve safety for the public and to support the movement of freight across Kentucky,” said Secretary Greg Thomas.
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