U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Rail Crossing Safety in St. Louis County

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $6 million for the CSAH 100 Rail Crossing Grade Separation Project in Aurora, Minnesota. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will construct a grade separated bridge to improve connectivity for school transportation, emergency services, and freight for mining and logging. The overpass would include a dedicated space for bicycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs. “Nothing is worse than running late and being stuck sitting on the road waiting for trains to pass on Highway 100. We hear you, and we’re fixing that,” said Senator Smith. “The new railroad overpass in Aurora will keep traffic and pedestrians moving instead of getting stuck at the crossing. We’re making it safer and more efficient for drivers.” “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency, and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” BUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation and water infrastructure. ###