Husted, Rulli secure funding for Salem railway safety project

“This investment will help keep traffic moving, support local businesses and make life easier and safer for Ohioans.” WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Rep. Michael Rulli (R-Ohio) today announced that they secured federal funding to improve railway safety and mobility in Salem by eliminating a railroad crossing at Lincoln Avenue. The project will separate Lincoln Avenue from the Norfolk Southern rail line, eliminating conflicts between trains and vehicles, reducing traffic delays and improving access for emergency responders. “Railroad crossings in Salem have caused significant delays for residents, local businesses and emergency responders, creating unnecessary safety risks. I’m proud to have advocated for this funding to address these challenges and improve safety for the community. This investment will help keep traffic moving, support local businesses and make life easier and safer for Ohioans,” said Husted. “Salem is my hometown, and I know firsthand how much this overpass matters to the families who travel it every day. This funding will make the crossing safer and cut the delays that have frustrated drivers for too long. I was proud to work with Senator Husted to deliver this investment for the people of Salem, and I look forward to seeing it strengthen public safety and drive economic growth across the region,” said Rulli. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program following a letter from Husted and Rulli to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy advocating for the project. The Salem overpass project will address disruptions caused by approximately 48 train movements each day. These trains have delayed emergency responders, disrupted local businesses and created safety risks, including crashes at the crossing. The grant allocation builds on Husted’s work as a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Senate Appropriations Committee. In these roles, Husted has been a strong advocate for strengthening Ohio’s infrastructure and ensuring that appropriated funds are obligated to projects that will serve Ohioans. In October 2026, Husted secured funding for a Toledo rail infrastructure project . In September 2026, Husted secured funding for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority . In August 2026, Husted secured funding for the City of Toledo and City of Fairfield infrastructure projects. In July 2026, Husted also announced that he secured $50 million in BUILD funding for Ohio infrastructure projects.