Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4) announced a $16,063,596 grant from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to make 10 rail crossings between Pottstown and Boyertown safer for motorists, pedestrians, and trains. This funding from Federal Railroad Administration will eliminate one road-level rail crossing, improve safety protections at six other road-level crossings, and raise three bridges to improve visibility at three existing road-separated rail crossings in Berks County.
“Because of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Berks County can invest in making its rail crossings safer and more efficient,” Senator Casey said. “This is yet another example of the infrastructure law improving passenger and freight rail throughout Pennsylvania and across our Nation.”
“It’s an honor to join with Senator Casey to announce this funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make rail crossings in Berks County safer,” Senator Fetterman said. “Keeping pedestrians safe is a top priority for me, and this funding will help us get there at these sites across the region.”
“Improving the safety and functionality of our railroads is crucial to the sustainability and economic growth of our communities,” Congresswoman Dean said. “This $16 million investment in Colebrookdale Railroad — provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — will help make rail crossings safer while lifting up the redevelopment in the communities of Boyertown and Pottstown. And as Colebrookdale Railroad continues to grow as an economic and tourist engine for the region, these investments will shine a much-needed light on our area.”
The Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Berks will provide 20 percent match for the project.
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