The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently announced the recipients of the 10th annual Local Grade Crossing Surface Program.
The program offers eligible projects 60 percent of the total cost with railroads responsible for the remaining 40 percent. Railroads and local road agencies are responsible for scheduling the construction work, and repair work is required to be performed by a railroad company and its contractors. Local road agencies can provide detour routes.
“MDOT is excited to award local road agencies these grants to improve railroad grade crossing surfaces,” Peter Anastor, MDOT Office of Rail director, said. “Transportation safety is a high priority for MDOT, and these projects will provide safe, smooth surfaces when completed.”
Thirty-two projects received funding for highway-railroad grade crossing surface improvements ranging from minor asphalt repairs to installing completely new track and surface materials.
Awardees include the cities of Detroit and Ann Arbor.
The Local Grade Crossing Surface Program allows local road agencies to apply for grants in cooperation with railroad companies. Since the program was founded, it has selected more than 450 local crossings for improvement projects. The next grant application period will open in July.
The full list of awardees can be viewed on the department’s website.