A significant infusion of funds from a federal source will bolster railway safety in Arizona. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that the state will receive more than $46 million to improve rail crossing safety and infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will generate this money to improve Yuma, Marana, Gilbert, and Hualapai Tribal lands. According to Arizona’s senator, the goal is to improve safety measures, reduce traffic congestion, and simplify the movement of products and people across the state.
“Safe and efficient transportation is critical for Arizona’s communities and economy,” stated Senator Kelly. Gallego stated that faulty railways endanger not just residents’ safety but also the economic viability of enterprises. The funding acknowledges the efforts made to safeguard and support the communities affected by these railway lines. The Hualapai Tribal Diamond Creek Road Grade Separation Project will receive over half of the total funds, demonstrating the commitment to enhancing safety in historically accident-prone locations.
Representative Raúl Grijalva stressed the benefits of modernizing train infrastructure, including increased economic possibilities, boosted local economies, and more efficient delivery of crucial commodities and services. The Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program, which is part of the framework of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, promotes the removal of unsafe and disruptive at-grade rail crossings. According to a statement from Arizona’s senator, each project in this program has been methodically developed to meet safety and transportation efficiency standards.
Yuma County will focus on separating three crossings across the Union Pacific track, with a $640,000 budget to support preliminary project preparation. The Hualapai Tribal Council, with a budget of $22,989,751, is in charge of building a grade-separated overpass and adding a safety fence. Gilbert will investigate the potential of repairing 14 highway-rail grade crossings with a $2,448,000 investment, while Marana plans to improve interchange grade separation with a $20,400,000 budget. These initiatives not only demonstrate a dedication to safety and efficiency, but they also promise to create local jobs and improve the quality of life for Arizona people.
The planned enhancements are an important step toward improving the state’s transportation infrastructure. With cities giving a 20% match to federal funds, these initiatives represent the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local institutions, echoing the common goal of a safer, more prosperous Arizona.