The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced more than USD 1.1 billion in Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program funding for 123 rail projects. This initiative will enhance or study over 1,000 highway-rail crossings nationwide, marking the largest single investment in grade crossing safety in the FRA’s history. Together with previous rail investments under the Biden-Harris Administration, the FRA has allocated USD 48.5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to over 445 rail projects across the nation and Amtrak.
The grants, benefiting 41 states, will support the construction of overpasses and underpasses, safety upgrades to save lives, and other improvements to ensure safer communities for pedestrians, motorists, rail workers, and passengers. New overpasses and underpasses will eliminate collision risks, prevent blocked crossings that delay emergency responders, and enhance mobility and connectivity in communities nationwide.
“This Administration is tackling the issues that Americans face every day… 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.
Accidents at grade crossings are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S., with more than 2,000 incidents and 200 fatalities reported annually. Slow-moving or stalled trains at crossings also delay drivers, waste resources, and impede first responders. Over the past year, the FRA logged more than 26,000 complaints about blocked crossings via its Public Blocked Crossing Incident Reporter.
“From day one of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have committed ourselves to making rail safer for all Americans,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “Today’s grants are another example of the Biden-Harris Administration reversing a half-century of federal underinvestment in America’s rail network… helping people in communities big and small get to and from their homes, schools, businesses, and workplaces safely and without delays.”
FRA funding for Major Projects
Key projects funded under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program include:
- Arizona – Hualapai Tribal Diamond Creek Road Grade Separation Project (USD 22,989,751)
This project will design and construct a grade-separated overpass and anti-intrusion fencing in Peach Springs on Hualapai Tribal lands. It addresses a history of accidents and aims to improve safety. - South Carolina – Assembly Street Railroad Separation Project (USD 204,200,000)
In Columbia, this project will consolidate freight operations and enhance rail infrastructure owned by Norfolk Southern and CSX. The improvements will boost safety, reduce delays, and improve freight mobility. - Illinois – CREATE Project GS1 (USD 43,125,000)
Part of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program, this project will improve infrastructure in Chicago’s Clearing West neighborhood and surrounding areas, enhancing safety and mobility. - North Carolina – RailTAP Safety Training Program (USD 3,000,000)
NC State University will develop the Rail Technical Assistance Program (RailTAP) to educate workers, first responders, and the public on rail crossing safety and accident prevention.
Investments in Passenger Rail
The FRA also announced USD 146 million for intercity passenger rail services, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Restoration and Enhancement Grant Program. These investments will support six key routes:
- California: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service (USD 27.1 million)
- Connecticut: CTrail Hartford Line service (USD 11.6 million)
- Florida: Brightline Miami-Orlando service (USD 33.8 million)
- Louisiana-Alabama: Amtrak Gulf Coast service (USD 21.1 million)
- North Carolina: Amtrak Piedmont service (USD 14 million)
- Illinois-Minnesota: Amtrak Borealis service (USD 38.6 million)
These grants aim to strengthen existing services and position new, restored, and enhanced passenger rail routes for long-term success.
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