Gallego, Kelly Announce $9.6 Million Investment to Improve Railroad Crossing Safety Across Arizona

Federal grant funding will support railroad crossing safety projects in Marana, Yuma County, and Phoenix WASHINGTON — Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced $9.6 million in federal funding for three projects to improve railroad crossing safety in Marana, Yuma County, and Phoenix. The funding will support planning and design work to address dangerous railroad crossings, reduce traffic delays, and improve the movement of people and goods across Arizona. The funding was awarded through the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “Arizona’s railroads are critical links that keep our state’s economy flowing. This federal funding in railroad crossing safety will further ensure people get where they need to go safely and goods move more efficiently,” said Senator Gallego. “Investing in our infrastructure means creating good paying jobs, improving safety, and making sure communities across Arizona have access to the public infrastructure they deserve.” “Arizonans shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous railroad crossings when they’re driving to work or taking their kids to school,” said Senator Kelly. “This funding to improve our transportation infrastructure will keep families safe.” “This $6.4 million federal investment is a major step forward for the Tangerine Road Interchange project and the future of Marana and our region. Once completed, the project will eliminate a major railroad crossing, improve safety and connectivity, and help meet the needs of our growing community. We are grateful to Senator Kelly, Senator Gallego, and Congressman Ciscomani for their support in advancing this project and their continued commitment to our community,” said Jon Post, Mayor of the City of Marana. “For too long, residents of the Fortuna Foothills have experienced recurring and prolonged closures at the Fortuna Road railroad crossing, disrupting daily travel and raising serious public safety concerns. This $2 million federal investment represents a significant step toward a permanent solution by advancing the project through final design and bringing us closer to construction. We appreciate Senators Kelly and Gallego’s support and the Federal Railroad Administration’s investment in this critical infrastructure project. Yuma County looks forward to continuing our work with our federal and state partners to improve transportation safety, reliability, and emergency access for our residents,” said Martin Porchas, Chairman, Yuma County Board of Supervisors. See below for details on the funded projects: Project Name Recipient Grant Amount Project Description I-10 / Tangerine Road Interchange Grade Separation with UPRR Town of Marana $6,400,000 This award will be used by the Town of Marana to advance planning and preliminary design for a future railroad grade separation near Tangerine Road and Interstate 10. The project will support environmental review and engineering work needed to eventually eliminate a busy at grade crossing along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor. The proposed improvements will enhance safety, reduce traffic delays, and improve the movement of people and goods through the area. Fortuna Road (Avenue 11E) Railroad Crossing Elimination Project Yuma County $2,000,000 This award will be used by Yuma County to advance the design of improvements to the existing Fortuna Road railroad crossing. The funding will support project development and final design activities needed to bring the project to a construction-ready stage. The proposed improvements will enhance safety at the crossing and support more reliable transportation for drivers and freight moving through the area. City of Phoenix Rail Crossing Safety Planning Study City of Phoenix $1,200,000 This award will be used by the City of Phoenix to study safety improvements at 31 railroad crossings along the Grand Avenue freight corridor. The project will include a detailed analysis of five priority crossings and evaluate potential improvements, including railroad grade separations, to reduce safety risks, improve traffic flow, and minimize disruptions to surrounding neighborhoods. The study will produce a coordinated plan to guide future investments along the corridor.