US announces major investment in nationwide rail infrastructure
The US Department of Transportation has announced more than US$2.3 billion in federal funding for freight and passenger railway infrastructure projects across 45 states and the District of Columbia.
The investment, administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program, will support 105 projects covering track rehabilitation, bridge modernisation, rail capacity improvements and safety upgrades.
According to the department, more than 2,000 miles of railway track will benefit from the funding.
Selected projects are also expected to receive over US$1.9 billion in additional non-federal contributions from state governments, local authorities and private-sector partners.
Freight rail upgrades and port connections
Several projects focus on improving freight transport efficiency and connections to industrial and maritime facilities.
In Texas, the Texas City Terminal Railway Company has been allocated US$30 million to realign a vehicle entrance gate and rehabilitate and expand railway yard infrastructure serving the port area.
The project is intended to address safety conflicts between trains and vehicles accessing a petroleum facility while supporting existing and anticipated demand for petrochemical exports.
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Company will receive US$33.6 million for track rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements between Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Monett, Missouri.
The planned works include rail replacement, new ties, siding improvements and additional tracks intended to improve operating flexibility.
Meanwhile, the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway has been allocated US$43.5 million to modernise the Toledo Swing Bridge over the Maumee River in Ohio. The project includes rehabilitation of eight bridge spans and upgrades intended to accommodate heavier railcars.
Regional rail modernisation
The Maine Department of Transportation will receive US$37 million to rehabilitate approximately 90 miles of railway infrastructure in northern Maine.
The project includes track, tie and ballast replacement, alongside improvements to a railway bridge.
In North Carolina, Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company has been awarded US$20 million for infrastructure improvements in Montgomery and Stanly counties.
The planned work includes approximately 30 miles of continuous welded rail, bridge rehabilitation and modernised crossing signals.
Passenger rail expansion in Wisconsin
Passenger railway development is also included in the funding programme.
Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation has been allocated US$218 million for the Hiawatha West project, which aims to extend the existing Chicago–Milwaukee passenger rail service into Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane counties.
The project includes railway capacity improvements, bridge and crossing upgrades, and the construction of new intercity passenger stations.
Federal funding targets safety and capacity
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the funding would support railway safety improvements, short-line infrastructure and port connections.
FRA Administrator David Fink also highlighted the programme’s focus on operational improvements for smaller railway operators.
The department reported that the latest CRISI funding cycle attracted a record number of eligible applications.
The announced awards provide financial support for the selected projects, while individual construction schedules and completion dates will depend on subsequent implementation.
