Over $1.3 million granted to improve Kentucky’s multimodal freight transportation

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary, Greg Thomas, has approved the issuance of $1,323,733 in grants to improve multimodal freight transportation through the Kentucky Rail Crossing Improvement (KRCI) programme.

Administered through the KYTC Division of Planning, these matched funds are used to maintain and improve local and regional railroads.

“Safety continues to be the first priority of the Cabinet and this extends to all modes of transportation,” said Greg. “We are pleased to partner with our rail companies to improve safety for the public and to support the movement of freight across Kentucky.”

Five applicants submitted requests for railroad improvement funds. Awards were issued to Paducah and Louisville Railroad (PAL), RJ Corman Railroad Group (RJC), Louisville and Jefferson County Riverport Authority (LORJ), KYTC Highway District 3/Glasgow Railroad Company (GRC), and KYTC Highway District 10/CSX.

When selecting the awardees, factors including crash history, vehicle, train and truck traffic, physical condition, project cost and the federal railroad crossing score were examined. Some of the crossings had average daily traffic counts as high as 20,000 vehicles.

Safety improvements include the installation of signals, lights, barriers, gates, bells and other equipment. The majority of projects will rehabilitate crossing surfaces, including pavement, ballast, ties and rail replacements.