Prince William Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger on June 5 announced an award of $3.2 million — made possible through the bipartisan infrastructure law — to improve railroad crossing safety in Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Hanover Counties.

The funding will be used by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to make safety improvements at crossings in rural areas of Virginia’s Seventh District — including at Brent Point Road in Stafford County and Summit Crossing Road in Spotsylvania County. Additionally, the funding will support crossing improvements at Doswell Road and Elmont Road in nearby Hanover County.

“The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to pay dividends for Virginia’s economy. This project follows through on the bipartisan infrastructure law’s promises of stronger physical infrastructure, improved safety, and responsible investments in our local communities,” said Spanberger. “By making our communities safer, we are ensuring that Virginia remains the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family. I want to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing the need for these investments in our Commonwealth — and I want to congratulate DRPT on this award.”

In October 2022, Spanberger wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting that he provide fair and full consideration of DRPT for this award.

Specifically, this bipartisan infrastructure law funding will support the design and construction of four-quad gates at four CSX-owned crossings. According to DRPT, these improvements will significantly increase safety by removing the ability of vehicles to drive around lowered gates — thereby avoiding collisions with trains.

BACKGROUND

This award is provided through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program — which was authorized under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The RCE Program’s purpose is to provide funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.

In 2021, Spanberger helped negotiate and voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation — as well as Hanover, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties — will contribute funds totaling a 20 percent match. 

Original source can be found here.