ATLANTA — Thanks to funding grants from the U.S. government, four railroad safety projects are getting a boost to reduce blocked crossings.
According to a release from Georgia’s two U.S. Senators, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, more than $3.46 million will go to projects in Atlanta, Powder Springs, Cornelia and Gainesville.
The release from the two senators said the federal investment will go toward upgrading rail safety and eliminating blocked rail crossings in Georgia.
“Our communities thrive when we are better connected, which is why I have been working to strengthen rail safety and tackle the dangerous conditions posed by stalled trains in Georgia,” Warnock said in a statement. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. These latest grants will help alleviate stalled trains and promote greater mobility for all.”
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The investments are aimed at reducing traffic delays while enhancing safety and accessibility on the roads in areas where there are railroad crossings.
Blockages at rail crossings are not just an inconvenience, but they can be a matter of life and death,” Ossoff said. “Every day, the bipartisan infrastructure law is upgrading transportation, energy, sewer and water, and broadband internet across our great state.”
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Here are the full project details announced by Warnock and Ossoff:
City of Atlanta Safe Crossing Study
- This project will evaluate 23 at-grade crossings in Atlanta, identifying opportunities to improve safety, mobility, and access to services and economic opportunities. The study will involve stakeholder engagement, environmental reviews, and feasibility studies to prioritize future improvements. The City of Atlanta will provide a 20% non-Federal match for the project.
City of Cornelia Pedestrian Bridge
- This project will develop plans for an ADA-accessible pedestrian bridge over Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, connecting Cornelia’s historic downtown to parking and community services. By eliminating the risk of train-related injuries, the project will enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility. The City of Cornelia will contribute a 20% non-Federal match, with funding qualifying for rural and planning project statutory set-asides.
Powder Springs Dallas Road Corridor Crossing Closure Project
- This initiative will assess alternatives for closing three highway-rail grade crossings in Cobb County. The project will include stakeholder engagement and conceptual engineering to improve safety and freight rail fluidity. The City of Powder Springs, Georgia Department of Transportation, Cobb County, and Norfolk Southern will jointly contribute a 20% non-Federal match.
Navajo Circle Life/Safety Grade Separation Planning Project
- In Gainesville, Hall County will assess safety improvements for the Navajo Circle crossing, including potential grade separation and track relocation. The project aims to enhance emergency response times, reduce crossing incidents, and more. Hall County will provide a 20% non-Federal match, with the project qualifying for rural and planning project statutory set-asides.
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