“With these project selections and many more that are to come, we will save lives and reshape infrastructure in ways that allow individuals to move through their neighborhoods seamlessly and safely," said Amit Bose of the Federal Railroad Administration, per Houston Public Media.
Drivers in Houston's East End, who have been enduring frustrating delays caused by trains idling on tracks for hours, can now look forward to relief, per KHOU-11.
The Federal Railroad Administration has granted Houston a substantial sum of $36.9 million to construct alternate routes around the problematic train tracks. This funding will be utilized to create an underpass, facilitating smoother passage for cars in the area.
With this development, drivers can bid farewell to the headaches caused by the prolonged presence of trains.
The City has received funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to address the problems along Runnels and Leeland streets. As part of the solution, underpasses will be constructed at Commerce Street and Navigation Boulevard, along with three locations on York Street in the East End.
The implementation of this project will contribute to the City of Houston's Phase 1 initiative known as "Advance A," which aims to establish a sealed corridor spanning 14,600 feet along the rail line of the Houston Belt and Terminal Railroad (HB&T).
Phase 1 specifically involves the creation of a 9,000-foot sealed corridor, leading to the elimination of seven existing grade crossings. Out of these, four crossings will be permanently closed, while the remaining four will be replaced with underpasses through the construction process.
Per CNN:
“More than 850 blockages have been reported this year alone at those seven crossings, according to the Department of Transportation. The department said the project would save drivers fuel and frustration alike, and reduce noise where train operators blow loud horns as a warning to vehicles.”
According to Houston Public Media:
“The grant announced Monday is one of 63 awarded this year by the Federal Railroad Administration, which is doling out $570 million to address more than 400 at-grade crossings in 32 U.S. states. Five projects in Texas received a total of $87 million, including a $19.6 million award to the Texas Department of Transportation to help eliminate two at-grade crossings along Waco Street near its intersection with U.S. 90 in Dayton, which is northeast of Houston, while building a grade-separated bridge so the highway and railroad do not intersect.”
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