METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

April 27, 2026
Trains at railroad crossings

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety, enhance access to emergency services, and improve the mobility of people and goods.

Credit:

METRO

1 min to read


  • The USDOT is allocating $1.1 billion to improve safety infrastructure at railroad crossings.
  • Annually, over 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur nationwide at these crossings.
  • The investment aims to reduce accidents and enhance public safety in affected areas.

*Summarized by AI

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a $1.1 billion investment by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to improve safety infrastructure at railroad crossings.

Enhancing Track Safety

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Ad Loading...

Funds are available for projects that: 

  • Build overpasses or underpasses so cars and trains never meet.
  • Upgrade safety technology at crossings.
  • Relocate tracks to close a grade crossing.
  • Educate Americans on how to cross-train tracks safely.

“Under Secretary Duffy’s safety-first agenda, protecting Americans from railroad crossing collisions is a top priority,” said FRA Administrator David Fink. “From installing automated equipment to eliminating unsafe crossings, we are committed to delivering a safer railroad system for Americans.”

The FRA’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, or Crossing Safety Program, focuses on crossing projects that improve the safety and mobility of people and goods, eliminate railroad crossings that are frequently blocked by trains, and educate communities on railroad crossings to save lives.

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety, enhance access to emergency services, and improve the mobility of people and goods.

Quick Answers

The USDOT's $1.1 billion investment aims to enhance safety infrastructure at railroad crossings to reduce incidents and fatalities.

*Summarized by AI

Ad Loading...

More Security and Safety

An aerial shot of the Denver region
Management•by Alex Roman•November 12, 2026

Study: Denver RTD Generates $2.1 Billion in Annual Economic Activity

An economic impact study finds the agency supports approximately 17,500 jobs, delivers $1.6 billion in annual community and mobility benefits, and generates $2.42 in economic value for every dollar invested.

Read More →
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•November 11, 2026

SEPTA Launches 'Reach' Program to Connect Vulnerable Individuals with Support

The initiative deploys specialists throughout Philadelphia’s transit system to connect individuals with housing, healthcare, and social services while addressing safety and quality-of-life concerns.

Read More →
LADOT Launches Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

LADOT to Launch Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement on DASH Buses

The program will begin with a 60-day warning period before citations are issued in January 2027, joining similar efforts across Southern California to improve bus reliability, safety, and accessibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An A line MTA subway car near the soon to be replaced signaling system.
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 23, 2026

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project

Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.

Read More →
New Standard Helps Transit Agencies Address Climate Risks
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•October 19, 2026

CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail

Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.

Read More →
A San Diego MTS Copper Line vehicle
Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•October 16, 2026

San Diego MTS Approves New Fare Evasion Penalty Program

The new administrative process will move eligible violations out of the criminal court system, cap penalties at $125, and provide flexible payment options for riders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

RTC of Southern Nevada Reports 29% Drop in Transit Operator Assaults

The agency credits expanded security measures, employee training, and technology investments for improvements in transit safety, while security officers have responded to 19 suspected overdoses since July.

Read More →
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →
Graphic showing the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., with the headline “Safe Transit Act Proposes New Security Rules for Funding” and the METRO Magazine logo.
Security and Safety•by Elora Haynes•September 28, 2026

Safe Transit Act Proposes New Security Requirements for Federal Transit Funding

Proposed legislation would link federal transit dollars to safety measures while requiring security investments, onboard cameras, and new fare collection standards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two MBTA railcars in station.

FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions

The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.

Read More →