The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently awarded $56.9 million in grant funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program to 18 projects in 16 states.
Funds are intended to improve intercity passenger rail’s and freight rail systems’ reliability, including safety and efficiency.
Approximately a quarter of the grants were reserved for rural projects.
“We’re extremely pleased that the CRISI grant program directs much-needed critical investment to rural America,” FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory said.
Grants were awarded based on several criteria including preparing for project life-cycle costs; using innovative approaches to improve safety and expedite project delivery; leveraging federal funds to attract other sources of funding; supporting economic vitality; and holding recipients accountable for achieving specific, measurable outcomes.
Awards ranged from $58,800 to $10 million.
The largest award was given to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Millbrook Road Grade Separation Sealed Corridor Project.
The project will combine three grade separations on the CSX S line north of Raleigh. This will alleviate highway traffic delays and will accommodate projected travel demand from planned highway improvements.
The grade separations are the first phase of the Raleigh to Richmond section of the Southeast Corridor Sealed Corridor. The planned improvements will increase safety and reliability of rail and highway transportation.