The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a $1.1 billion funding round aimed at improving safety at railroad grade crossings across the country, targeting persistent collision rates and fatalities that continue despite decades of progress.
The funding, announced Friday under the Crossing Safety Program, stems from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is intended to address more than 2,000 collisions and nearly 300 deaths reported annually since 2021.
Eligible projects include installing or upgrading warning signs, signals and protective devices, as well as more extensive infrastructure solutions such as relocating tracks or constructing grade separations using bridges, tunnels or embankments.
While railroad crossing safety has improved significantly over time, challenges remain. According to Operation Lifesaver, accidents have declined by 81% since 1972. However, data from the Federal Railroad Administration show that roughly 2,000 incidents have continued to occur annually since 2009.
A 2025 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found a growing share of accidents involve pedestrians. Of the 287 fatalities recorded last year, 108 involved pedestrians, underscoring the need for targeted safety measures in urban and high-traffic areas.
“Protecting Americans from railroad crossing collisions is a top priority,” FRA Administrator David Fink said in a statement. “From installing automated equipment to eliminating unsafe crossings, we are committed to delivering a safer railroad system for Americans.”
The program is open to a broad range of applicants, including state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, port authorities and federally recognized tribal entities. The FRA will cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, making it a significant funding opportunity for infrastructure owners and agencies.
Of the total funding available, 3% is allocated specifically for project planning, while 20% is reserved for projects in rural areas or on tribal lands, reflecting a focus on underserved regions.
The FRA also emphasized interest in projects that reduce or eliminate blocked railroad crossings — an issue that has gained attention in recent years as freight rail traffic has consolidated along fewer corridors. According to the Association of American Railroads, this trend has increased the frequency of long trains blocking roadways, particularly in growing communities.
Applications for the funding round are due by June 8, 2026, with additional details outlined in the agency’s Notice of Funding Opportunity.
With billions in federal support now available, transportation officials and industry stakeholders are expected to prioritize projects that not only reduce collisions but also enhance mobility and safety for both drivers and pedestrians at rail crossings nationwide.
Originally reported by Dan Zukowski, Senior Reporter in Construction Dive.
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