Kentucky awards $2.2M in grants for rail crossings

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Kentucky recently awarded four companies $2.2 million in grants to improve railroad crossings in 11 counties.

Paducah and Louisville Railway received funding for 10 projects, RJ Corman Railroad Group for three projects, the Kentucky Railway Museum for three projects, and Norfolk Southern for one project. The railroad companies are required to provide a minimum 20 percent match.

“Railroads are an essential part of Kentucky’s transportation system, reaching every corner of the commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The projects being accomplished with the help of these grants will result in greater safety for the millions of vehicles that cross railroad tracks and more efficient operation of the crossings themselves.”

Projects funded through these grants include:

  • $284,240 to replace the crossing and upgrade the signal on Nelson Road/KY
    1379 in Muhlenberg County.
  • $200,328 to upgrade signals and lights on Husband Road in McCracken County.
  • $189,727 to upgrade signals and lights on Varmint Trace Road in Caldwell County.
  • $189,727 to upgrade signals and lights on Matt Rich Road in Caldwell County.
  • $189,727 to upgrade signals and lights on Paralee Road in Jefferson County.

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet selection committee screened the applications.