Texas To Receive Six Federal Rail Crossing Grants

farwell crossing

Texas recently received six Federal Railroad Administration grants related to projects and planning at railroad crossings. The largest grant will go towards a project in Farwell, TX and Texico, NM.
In a significant stride toward enhancing rail safety and efficiency, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has allocated over $79 million to six pivotal projects across Texas as part of the 2025 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program.
This initiative underscores the state's commitment to mitigating risks at highway-rail intersections and improving the mobility of both people and goods.
Major Grant for Farwell and Texico Crossing Separation
Leading the roster of funded projects is a substantial grant of approximately $73.1 million awarded jointly to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
This funding is earmarked for a comprehensive grade separation project in the Farwell, Texas, and Texico, New Mexico areas. The project entails constructing a new Texico bypass roadway alignment, facilitating the grade separation of one crossing and the closure of two additional crossings along the BNSF track. The collaboration between TxDOT, NMDOT, and BNSF, which will contribute the required 20% non-federal match, aims to enhance safety by reducing blocked crossings, improving emergency responder access, and decreasing motorist delays, thereby also contributing to environmental benefits through reduced vehicle emissions.
 
Statewide Planning Grants and Their Objectives
In addition to the Farwell and Texico project, several planning grants have been distributed across Texas to address specific local needs:

  • McKinney's Wilmeth/McIntyre Road Grade Separation Project: Allocated up to $3.14 million, this project focuses on developing pre-construction studies and environmental assessments to facilitate the future grade separation of McIntyre Road from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) tracks. The City of McKinney will provide a 30% non-federal match, underscoring its commitment to enhancing safety and connectivity in anticipation of projected growth.

  • Houston's East End Triangle R.A.I.L.S. Plan: Receiving $2 million, this initiative aims to comprehensively assess and improve safety at 14 at-grade crossings in Houston's East End Triangle community. The project will involve extensive data analysis, stakeholder coordination, and community engagement to recommend necessary improvements, with Harris County and the City of Houston contributing a 20% non-federal match.

  • Longview At-Grade Rail Crossing Elimination and Safety Study: With a grant of approximately $485,244, this study will evaluate 33 at-grade rail crossings in Longview to determine the feasibility of eliminations or safety enhancements, aiming to improve conditions for all road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The City of Longview will provide a 20% non-federal match.

  • Copperas Cove Railroad Flyover Planning Study: Awarded $331,200, this project will explore alternatives for providing at least one grade-separated crossing in Copperas Cove, addressing issues such as emergency response times and travel delays. The City of Copperas Cove and BNSF will contribute a 20% non-federal match.

  • Clifton Railroad Grade Separation and Crossing Closure Study: This study, granted $266,800, aims to explore the closure and grade separation of two crossings in Clifton, enhancing the safe and efficient movement of people and goods through the city. The City of Clifton, BNSF, Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Foundation, and Lutheran Sunset Ministries will collectively provide a 20% non-federal match.

Building Upon 2024 Achievements
These 2025 grants build upon the momentum established by Texas' 2024 RCE awards, which funded significant projects in Amarillo, Dayton, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. The continued investment in rail infrastructure through these grants not only addresses current safety and mobility challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and efficient transportation network across the state.