MTA awarded nearly $20M to upgrade nine Metro-North rail grade crossing

© Shutterstock

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHA) have earmarked a $19.7 million federal grant for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to upgrade nine rail grade crossings.

The work would occur along Metro-North’s Harlem Line in Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties, upgrading or replacing existing at-grade crossing warning systems and reconstructing the railroad crossings structures and approaches currently in place.

“I am thrilled that Washington recognized the benefits that these important safety projects will bring to Metro-North’s Harlem Line customers,” Catherine Rinaldi, president of Metro-North Railroad, said. “We look forward to working closely with our federal and state partners to efficiently deliver these improvements.”

MTA and Metro-North will work collaboratively with the New York State Department of Transportation to implement the work. The upgrades would complement safety enhancements Metro-North is already undertaking under its Way Ahead plan. Last year Metro-North replaced six grade crossings pads and installed delineators at 30 crossings.

Sites slated to receive crossing work include Virginia Road in North White Plains; Ellen Avenue in Brewster; Corbin Road in Pawling; Appalachian Trail in Pawling; Old Pawling Road in Pawling; Wheeler Road in Wingdale; Dover Furnace Road in Dover; Mill Street in Dover Plains; and the Dover Plains Station pedestrian crossing.