Bynum, Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley, Announce over $5.3 Million to Enhance Railroad Safety

November 10, 2026 Press Release Representatives Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Val Hoyle (OR-04) , along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley , announced over $5.3 million in federal investment to improve railroad infrastructure, increase safety, and boost economic growth. “Nobody likes getting stuck at the train tracks, but I’ll take being a few minutes late over playing with our safety,” said Rep. Bynum . “This money is about making sure we can get around safely while giving our economy room to grow and bringing more business to Oregon.” “Farmers and manufacturers across Oregon rely on railroads to ship their products to markets across the world,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will improve the safety of railroad crossings, increase efficiency of Oregon’s railways, and help our local economies thrive. I will continue to fight for more resources for infrastructure projects that support small businesses across the state.” “Critical investments like these play a vital role in preventing traffic disruptions and keeping trains, vehicles, and pedestrians safe,” said Merkley. “These common-sense projects in Douglas and Linn Counties will both keep the local economy moving and our community members safe.” “Investments in rail infrastructure help connect our communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “This funding will strengthen rail safety across Douglas County, significantly improving emergency access concerns and the efficiency of intercity freight rail.” “We are truly grateful to receive $1,763,336 in federal funding to help move forward with planning and preliminary engineering for a future grade separation at the Wilbur Old Highway 99 and Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad crossing. This project is important to Douglas County because it addresses real concerns about emergency access, public safety, and the movement of freight through our community. We want to sincerely thank Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with all of Oregon’s federal delegation, for their support and for recognizing the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure in our communities. These projects take time and partnership to advance, and this funding gives us an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward finding a long-term solution. We appreciate everyone who has helped bring us to this point, and we look forward to continuing this work for the benefit of Douglas County residents and future generations,” said Douglas County Commissioner and Board Chair Tom Kress. The $5.3 million in federal awards from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination/Crossing Safety program will be distributed as follows: $3,583,594 to the City of Harrisburg to close three at-grade rail crossings, improve track visibility and install several roadway improvements. $1,763,336 to Douglas County to support the feasibility study and preliminary engineering of a future grade separation at the crossing intersection of Old Highway 99 and the Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad. Issues : Congress