CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Millions of federal dollars will fund projects in three rural states, including Wyoming, where it will be used to address a potentially dangerous highway–railroad crossing in the southern portion of the state, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
On Oct. 10, the FRA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, announced that it has awarded more than $108 million in funding to nine projects in Wyoming, Alaska and South Dakota through the Special Transportation Circumstances Grant Program.
Nearly all of the funded projects will benefit short-line railroads, many of which are small businesses serving as crucial links in the rail supply chain. The projects will upgrade track, acquire new railcars and improve or eliminate highway-rail grade crossings, per an FRA release.
In Wyoming, the federal funding will look to address a potentially dangerous highway–railroad crossing on College Drive, or Wyoming State Highway 212, in Cheyenne. The project will permanently separate the roadway from Burlington Northern Santa Fe operations by building a new overpass, per the FRA.
Once completed, the overpass will eliminate vehicle–railroad conflicts, including the required stopping of vehicles in a 50 mph zone under live traffic conditions, the FRA says, adding that the improvement will increase the safety and mobility for the traveling public.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation and BNSF will contribute funds totaling a 20% non-federal match, per the release.
According to the FRA, the other eight projects will include railyard improvements and new cars in Alaska as well as upgraded culverts and tracks or crossings in South Dakota.
“Wherever you live in this country, rail systems play a critical role in getting people and goods where they need to go and the STC grans ensure that no state is left behind when it comes to the development of a robust freight rail transportation system,” Amit Bose, FRA administrator, said in a statement.
Bose said the grants will strengthen American businesses and supply chains while making rail operations safe.
