Gallego Announces Over $7 Million in Funding to Improve Rail Infrastructure Safety in Phoenix
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) proudly announced $7,084,656 in competitive grant funding for the City of Phoenix to improve two railroad crossings at 43rd Avenue and Camelback Road and 19th Avenue and McDowell Road. The funding will allow the city to install gate arms, signals, and make road upgrades to the sidewalk for Americans with Disability Act compliance.
“As Phoenix continues to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, these federal funds will be incredibly helpful,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego. “Thanks to the hard work by city leaders, our city and congressional district was able to secure these competitive dollars. I look forward to seeing these improvements in person!”
“The City of Phoenix prioritizes roadway safety for all transportation users. This CRISI grant award comes at an opportune time when two of the city’s largest railroad crossings are in dire need of technology and safety upgrades,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “We are appreciative to Congressmen Gallego and Stanton as well as Senators Sinema and Kelly, for their work on this award. Not only will the crossings be safer, but it will make it easier and more efficient for traffic and pedestrians to move through the crossings. That means time saved in traffic and goods moving to market more quickly. I'm eager to work with our partners to ensure these projects are completed seamlessly."
The project will make improvements at the crossings in two locations: 43rd Avenue and Camelback Road and 19th Avenue and McDowell Road. The project will upgrade large railroad crossings which will provide improved safety for railroad engineers and conductors and provide enhanced safety for the residents and businesses that are located on either side of the tracks. These crossings currently are not protected by gate arms, only by cantilevers signals.
The project will provide a safer and ADA accessible crossing in addition to providing for safer vehicular access to the crossing and for streamlined rail operations. The City of Phoenix is providing a $3 million match.
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Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.