City of Houston Federal Update

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

RR Crossing Press ConferenceCompetitive Grants - Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program

This new competitive discretionary grant program called the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will help improve safety, eliminate lengthy delays at railroad crossings in communities across the country and ultimately lower the costs of transporting goods, making them more affordable for American families. It was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be administered by the Federal Railroad Administration. The program totals $3 billion over five years.

The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will fund projects that create grade separations – such as overpasses and underpasses – as well as closures, track relocations, and improvement or installation of warning devices at crossings if related to a separation or relocation project.

On June 7, 2023 the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced the award of more than $570 million in funding to projects in 32 states.

The City of Houston was awarded $36.91 million in federal funding through the Railroad Crossing Elimination grant program for the West Belt Improvement Project (Phase I). The award is the largest allocation in the state of Texas.

  • Phase 1 includes the construction of four underpasses and closure of four at-grade crossings to eliminate seven existing at-grade crossings and reconstruct one underpass to current standards. When completed, Phase 1 will have an opportunity to create a 9,000-foot sealed corridor and quiet zone.

This funding will ensure the reconstruction of the Navigation Boulevard railroad underpass and the construction of the Commerce Street underpass.

Other Texas cities:

  • City of Amarillo: NE 24th Avenue Railroad Overpass - $8,425,000
  • City of San Antonio: Rittiman Road Grade Separation - $4,886,512

Railroad Crossing Underpass

Related Links:

Supporting Links: