FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Paducah & Louisville Railway, R.J. Corman, and Norfolk Southern are among the recipients of funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky for grade-crossing safety projects, part of almost $3 million in funding awarded under a pair of grant programs by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Projects on the three railroads were among seven selected under the Kentucky Rail Crossing improvement program, while two larger infrastructure projects were selected under the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvements program. The awards were announced on Thursday, Jan. 8.
“These investments focus on vital railway safety and connectivity upgrades that will help keep everyone safe while continuing to boost Kentucky’s booming economy,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a press release.
The Owensboro Riverport Authority will receive the largest grant, $1.22 million, to construct an access road and truck turnaround area, part of a program to expand an area for loading and unloading railcars, as well as for storage. That project will involve 26,500 square feet of asphalt paving, as well as the pouring of 41,700 square feet of concrete. The other KIASI project calls for rehabilitating and reactivating 6,400 feet of existing track to restore direct rail service to the Louisville 2900 industrial complex, which is served by the Paducah & Louisville. Louisville 2900 was awarded $272,110 for that project.
The Paducah & Louisville, meanwhile, was the direct recipient of three grants totaling $776,831 for grade-crossing improvements at two locations in Hardin County and one in Grayson County. R.J. Corman received $455,649 for one project each in Franklin and Logan counties, while Norfolk Southern received $20,162 for a project in Jefferson County.
“By investing in modern technology and contributing our own matching funds,” said Paducah & Louisville CEO Tom Greene, “P&L remains committed to ensuring safe, efficient rail service that helps drive growth, attract industry, and keep Kentucky competitive.” The state money covers up to 80% of ther cost of the grade-crossing projects, with the recipient providing the remainder.
The Bourbon County Fiscal Court received the largest of the grade crossing awards, $347,454 to rehabilitate a crossing and add signal lights at Park Entrance Road in that county.
— To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
Just grumbling a little bit as MOW guy that this article about infrastructure is listed under “Freight” while over in the MOW section all we get are articles about track equipment blowing up or rolling down embankments…