TOPEKA (KSNT) – A federal agency has awarded over $49 million to railroad improvement project in Kansas and Colorado.
Officials with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and KYLE Railroad Company announced in a press release on Friday, Oct. 23 that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a grant to the Unleashing the American Heartland Rail Upgrade Project. The grant is a part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program (CRISI).
“This is without a doubt a historic win for our entire region. This project will deliver critical infrastructure repairs needed to preserve, sustain, and modernize an important asset shared by Oklahoma and Kansas. The rail line is vital to supporting existing industries while creating new opportunities for business growth and attraction. These improvements will further strengthen the economic vitality and competitiveness of the Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas corridor for years to come.”
Statement from the Land Rush Rail Corporation
KDOT officials said the project includes track rehabilitation and improvement that will install 115-pound continuous welded rail on 56 miles of track. The project will include the replacement of ties and switches, upgrade of signals, replacement of ballast and installation of technologies designed to identify safety risk and reduce derailment.
“KYLE Railroad has been a strong partner in maintaining and improving freight rail service across Kansas,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “This federal award builds on that partnership and will help deliver safer, more reliable rail infrastructure that supports Kansas businesses and communities.”
KDOT provided matching funds for the project in an effort to enhance safety, improve system and service performance and increase reliability.
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KDOT officials said the federal CRISI grant program provides funding for projects that improve safety, efficiency and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. To find more information about the program or project, click here.
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