Washington, D.C. — The second round of the Rail Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant program is making significant strides in enhancing rail safety, efficiency, and connectivity across the nation. With a historic $1.1 billion investment announced January 10, the program will fund 123 projects in 41 states, addressing over 1,000 at-grade highway-rail crossings. These projects focus on constructing overpasses and underpasses, improving existing rail infrastructure, and reducing delays that impact motorists, pedestrians, and freight movement.
Among the largest awards is the Assembly Street Railroad Separation Project in Columbia, South Carolina, which received $204.2 million—the single highest award in this round. This project will consolidate freight operations from two corridors into one, significantly improving safety, reducing delays, and enhancing freight mobility in the region.
On the other end of the spectrum, one of the smallest awards went to the Kensington MARC Station Overpass Feasibility Study in Maryland, which received $150,000. This study will assess the viability of a new ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle overpass, aiming to improve safety and connectivity at an important commuter rail station. While smaller in scale, planning grants like this lay the groundwork for future infrastructure improvements that benefit both local communities and rail networks.
Rural communities are also seeing key investments. The Brice Prairie Rail Safety and Grade Separation Plan in Wisconsin received $728,000 to explore options for crossing closures and grade separations in the Town of Onalaska, a census-designated area that relies on two at-grade rail crossings for access. This project will identify solutions to improve safety, reduce delays, and enhance mobility for rural residents.
In addition to freight rail investments, the program includes $146 million in grants to support passenger rail services across the country. These funds will enhance key routes such as the Pacific Surfliner in California, the Gulf Coast service between New Orleans and Mobile, and Amtrak’s Borealis service between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul. By bolstering intercity rail connectivity, these grants will make passenger rail more reliable, convenient, and sustainable for millions of Americans.
As Congress works on the next surface transportation reauthorization, ensuring strong federal support for rail programs like the Rail Crossing Elimination grant is essential. These investments enhance public safety, reduce congestion, and improve freight efficiency, all while supporting economic development in both urban and rural communities.
A long-term commitment to funding programs like RCE and the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program will provide communities with the resources they need to address safety challenges and improve mobility across the country.
The application period announcement for the next round of funding is expected as early as September 2025. More news, guides, and tips on the RCE grant and additional federal funding for rail projects can be found on GoRail’s Rail Grant Hub.
