USDOT issues infrastructure progress report

The U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday released a progress report on its infrastructure priorities since 2021, including those focused on rail safety and implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

According to the report, the department’s rail safety actions have included:
• eliminating dangerous rail crossings and improving rail infrastructure. Through the new Railroad Crossing Elimination Program, the USDOT awarded $570 million to 32 states to eliminate or improve more than 400 grade crossings. And through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, the USDOT awarded $1.4 billion to 70 projects;
• proposing a rule to require at least two train crew members for certain train operations;
• conducting more than 7,500 focused inspections on rail routes where trains haul more high-risk hazardous materials; and
• working with members of Congress to pass the proposed Railway Safety Act.

Since President Joe Biden signed the IIJA in November 2021, the USDOT has announced more than 40,000 transportation projects. Funding opportunities authorized under the IIJA include $82 billion to improve and expand public transit service; $63 billion to improve safety and service on railroads; and $17 billion to strengthen ports and supply chains.

The department has awarded billions of dollars in grants to fund improvements to or expansion of passenger-rail transportation, which include projects to upgrade rail service on the Northeast Corridor aimed at reducing Amtrak and commuter rail delays for more than 200 million trips annually.

To read the full report, click here.