USDOT solicits applicants for rail crossing grant program

The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) on Friday announced $1.1 billion in grants are available through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) program, which also is known as the Crossing Safety program. 

The USDOT has issued a notice of funding opportunity that outlines application criteria. Grant applications are due June 8. 

Grant funds can be used to build overpasses or underpasses, upgrade safety technology at crossings, relocate tracks to close a crossing and promote education on how to cross tracks safely. 

Each year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at crossings nationwide. The FRA’s RCE program focuses on crossing projects designed to improve the safety and mobility of people and goods, eliminate crossings that are frequently blocked by trains and educate communities on crossings safety. 

“Protecting Americans from railroad crossing collisions is a top priority,” said FRA Administrator David Fink in a press release. “From installing automated equipment to eliminating unsafe crossings, we are committed to delivering a safer railroad system for Americans.”