The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced inaugural funding awards of more than $570 million for the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program. This first round of funding will address more than 400 at-grade crossings in 32 states was authorized by last year’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“The safest, best crossing is no crossing at all,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “The projects selected for this initial round of investment will advance safety and reduce traffic delays, while also keeping goods moving across the nation. Everyone wins through this type of smart infrastructure investment, and railroads are proud to support this transformational program.”

Outside of the RCE program, railroads work collaboratively with local road authorities, private property owners and the USDOT to identify grade crossings that can be consolidated, upgraded or closed. Since 2005, the total number of at-grade crossings across the nation has declined by 10 percent. RCE funding will further these initiatives to reduce the impact of rail operations on nearby communities.