Press Release - Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant of $3,583,594 Awarded to City of Harrisburg

In collaboration between the City of Harrisburg, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, with consultant services provided by David Evans & Associates, Inc., the City of Harrisburg is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant from the Federal Railroad Administration in an amount up to $3,583,594. This is the largest grant award in City of Harrisburg history.

"The proposed Harrisburg 4^th Street Corridor Railroad Grade Crossing Improvements Project was selected for Project Development, Final Design, and Construction and includes activities to close three at-grade rail crossings, improve track visibility, and install roadway improvements in Harrisburg. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing rail safety and improving the safety and mobility of people and goods as the project will close crossings and physically separate the tracks from other road users, eliminating potential conflicts between vehicle traffic and BNSF rail operations. The City of Harrisburg will contribute a 50 percent non-Federal cost share, which includes funding from BNSF. This project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for projects in Rural Areas".

Mayor Robert Duncan commented that "One of the most important things we should do as elected officials is to keep those in our charge safe. Working wonderfully in tandem with BNSF officials, this grant will help make that goal a reality. Speaking for all of Harrisburg, the word 'grateful' doesn't seem sufficient; so I will just humbly say, 'thank you'."

The project will improve 4^th St. from LaSalle St. north to Smith St., providing for a rebuilt, and separated railbed, with drive lanes on either side of the rails. It includes a full street improvement project, providing sidewalks, ADA crossings, curb and gutters, and new signage, on the entire west side of the road, and sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and signage on the east side of 4^th from Smith St. to Kesling St. The project includes coordinating with utility providers to move current infrastructure, and will provide better drainage on 4^th St. This will greatly improve the crossing safety, mobility, and emergency vehicle access, while also improving the longevity and maintenance costs for all modes of transportation.

BNSF currently leases the rail line to Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR), a Class III railroad owned by Genesee & Wyoming; while the City of Harrisburg owns the right-of-way where the rails are located. The project is currently in the 90% design phase, with construction planned after coordinating with utility providers.