FY25-26 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program

The Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This program is authorized under federal law and funded through appropriations provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It is designed to address longstanding safety and mobility challenges associated with highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossings across the United States. The program represents a significant federal investment in rail infrastructure, with over one billion dollars allocated to support projects that reduce risks, improve transportation efficiency, and enhance community connectivity. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that eliminate or improve at-grade railroad crossings. These projects include grade separations, closures, track relocations, and installation of protective safety systems. The program also supports planning, environmental review, and design activities necessary to advance eligible capital projects. In addition, funding is available for educational and safety awareness initiatives related to railroad crossings. The overarching goal is to improve safety outcomes, reduce accidents and delays, and enhance the movement of people and goods across transportation networks. Funding under this program is provided on a reimbursable basis through grant or cooperative agreements. The federal share of project costs is limited to 80 percent, requiring applicants to provide at least 20 percent in non-federal matching funds. The program includes set-asides for planning projects, rural and tribal areas, and safety education initiatives. While there is no maximum award cap for individual projects, awards will not be less than one million dollars unless the project is strictly for planning activities. Applicants may submit multiple applications but must prioritize them. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public entities such as state governments, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, public port authorities, and federally recognized tribal governments. Applications must be submitted by a lead entity that will assume responsibility for project execution if selected. Projects must align with defined eligibility criteria and lifecycle stages, including planning, development, design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple standard federal forms such as the SF-424, budget forms, and certifications. Applicants must also prepare a detailed project narrative, including a project summary, budget breakdown, eligibility justification, and evaluation criteria alignment. Supporting materials such as financial capability documentation, statements of work, and environmental information are also required. Registration in the System for Award Management is mandatory prior to submission. Applications are evaluated based on project readiness, technical merit, and anticipated benefits. Reviewers assess factors such as environmental preparedness, stakeholder coordination, technical feasibility, safety improvements, mobility impacts, and economic benefits. Preference may be given to projects that eliminate crossings, improve corridors, or advance to construction stages. The review process includes screening for eligibility and completeness, followed by merit-based evaluation and final selection by senior leadership. The application deadline for the current cycle is June 8, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified after the review process and must enter into formal agreements before funds are obligated. The program is expected to continue in future funding cycles, reflecting ongoing federal priorities in rail safety and infrastructure modernization. For assistance, applicants may contact program or financial officials within the Federal Railroad Administration using the provided email addresses and phone numbers.

Emphasize project readiness including NEPA status and agreements; clearly demonstrate safety improvements and mobility benefits; align proposal with evaluation criteria and lifecycle stages; provide strong budget justification and secured matching funds