Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Senate would provide $500 million annually for five years to help states, cities, and Tribes plan and construct grade crossing separation projects.
Funding also could be used for track relocation projects to improve safety or reduce congestion.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, highway-rail grade crossings are the second-leading cause of rail-related fatalities, and train passage through at-grade crossings can block traffic for hours.
Grade separation projects improve safety and mobility by eliminating these intersections.
U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation chairwoman, introduced the bill.
“Too many people are injured or killed at at-grade crossings, and the safest crossing is one that does not exist,” Cantwell said. “With the volume of freight shipments projected to increase 17 percent by the year 2030, it is critical we act now to address this urgent infrastructure need.”
In March, Cantwell released a report studying and assessing safety and efficiency concerns at at-grade railroad crossings.
The bill has the support of numerous organizations, including the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the Association of American Railroads, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the National League of Cities, and the Association of Washington Cities.