UP to help communities apply for federal grade-crossing separation grants

Union Pacific Railroad is offering to help communities on its network apply for federal grants to help fund grade crossing separation projects.

The 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set aside $5 billion annually for cities, counties, states and others to apply for federal dollars to fund such safety improvement projects.

"If a city along our rail network is experiencing any frustration in the application process or has any questions, we encourage them to reach out to us. We can help work through their options and provide logistical support," said Paul Rathgeber, UP director of industry and public projects-engineering, said this week in a UP website post.

The first grants issued under the new law were awarded in June and included $37 million in funding to the city of Houston’s West Belt improvement project, which includes the construction of two underpasses and the closure of five crossings in the city's East End. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation was awarded $19 million to build an overpass over U.S. Highway 90 in Dayton, Texas, which is one of UP’s growth areas.

UP supported both projects and worked with key stakeholders to provide the information needed for the grant application, company officials said.

"In my 26 years at the railroad, I have never seen railroad crossing funding at these levels. It will have a real impact on rail crossing safety and reduce train/motorist conflicts," said Rathgeber.

The Federal Railroad Administration is expected to begin accepting grant applications for the second round of funding later this fall, with the next round of awards announced in 2024.

City officials and others who have questions about the grant process and who would like to talk to a Union Pacific official, are encouraged to contact a UP Public Affairs representative in their region.Learn more about the federal Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program on the Federal Railroad Administration website.