Fischer Secures Nearly $68 Million in Infrastructure Grants

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, secured almost $68 million for projects to improve railroad infrastructure in Eastern Nebraska through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant program.
The program, authorized under the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
, aims to enhance the mobility and safety of our nation’s railroad infrastructure. By funding critical safety upgrades and constructing overpasses and underpasses for railroad tracks, it reduces the risk of rail and vehicular collisions and prevents blocked rail crossings. This improves connectivity and allows smoother travel for communities across Nebraska.
“Safe and reliable transportation is essential for Nebraskans as they travel across our state each day. These grants will enhance eastern Nebraska communities by removing obstacles and improving safety. I look forward to watching these projects improve Nebraskans’ quality of life,”
said Senator Fischer
.
Below are additional details on the projects for which Senator Fischer secured funding:
R
ailroad Crossing Elimination Grant Awards
:
Project Name:
33
rd
/Cornhusker Viaduct
Project Location:
L
incoln
, NE
Appropriated Amount:
$66,706,880
Project Description:
Builds a new bridge over the rail corridor to eliminate two at-grade railroad crossings at N. 3
rd
Street and Adams Street. The project will reduce traffic delays, accommodate existing and future traffic, improve mobility across the rail corridor, and improve multimodal connectivity in the area.
Project Name:
Grand Island Rail Crossing Study
Project Location:
Grand Island
, NE
Appropriated Amount:
$600,000
Project Description:
Assesses the condition of 17 rail crossings in Grand Island and develops a prioritized Corridor Improvement Plan. The plan would recommend crossing closures, grade-separations, and targeted safety countermeasures to enhance safety and address unreliable travel routes and emergency response delays caused by frequent train traffic.
Project Name:
Omaha to Lincoln Rail Crossing Study
Project Location:
Eastern Nebraska
Appropriated Amount:
$600,000
Project Description:
Evaluates 73 at-grade crossings along 4.5 miles of BNSF track. The project will identify various safety improvements, including crossing closures, installation of active warning devices, realignment of crossings, upgrades to grade crossings, and new roadway connects.