The US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) that makes available USD 1.1 billion for rail crossing removal programme. Applications for funding are due 75 days after the publication date.
As the only competitive discretionary grant programme dedicated to improving rail crossings’ safety and efficiency, the programme invests in projects that construct grade separations, upgrade safety devices at crossings, or close at-grade crossings where roads and train tracks intersect.
Addressing collisions and blockages at grade crossings has been a top priority for FRA, especially as growing train lengths lead to more frequent and longer blocked crossings, and the funding announced will improve safety and access to communities separated by rail crossings.
Project applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as whether they improve safety, increase community connectivity, enhance access to emergency services, improve the mobility of goods, strengthen supply chains, and reduce noise. At least 20% of the rail crossing removal programme funding making around USD 230 million will also be set aside for projects located in rural communities or on Tribal lands, and around USD 38 million will be available to fund planning projects.
“Railways play a vital role in our nation’s transport network by moving people and goods in a sustainable and efficient way, and the funding announced today will help ensure that rail operations are compatible with safety and mobility in the communities through which trains move,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said.
Last year, FRA announced over 63 program grants for major crossing removal projects, such as the construction of a sealed rail corridor in Houston, Texas, as well as overpasses, underpasses, and rail bridges in Pelham, Alabama, Hammond, Indiana and Washougal, Washington. FRA has also already made available billions more in grant funding this year through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail programme and the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements programme, both of which will improve safety and efficiency on the country’s rail network.
“By making grade crossings safer or eliminating them altogether, we are acting to ensure Americans spend less time stuck in lengthy delays, can get around their neighborhoods more easily and safely, and can avoid the needless tragedies that result from collisions with trains,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
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