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    Shapiro Administration Receives $11.3 Million Federal Grant for Freight Rail Improvements in Western PA

    September 29, 2023
    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it is the recipient of a $11,250,367 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant through the Federal Railroad Association (FRA). The grant funds will support the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad’s (BPRR) Rebuilding Western Pennsylvania project, one of 70 projects to receive a share of $1.4 billion in funding. These investments are aligned with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to improving Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth.

    ​Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it is the recipient of a $11,250,367 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant through the Federal Railroad Association (FRA). The grant funds will support the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad's (BPRR) Rebuilding Western Pennsylvania project, one of 70 projects to receive a share of $1.4 billion in funding. These investments are aligned with Governor Shapiro's commitment to improving Pennsylvania's infrastructure and supporting economic growth.

    "We're grateful to our federal partners for their investment in this important project," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "Pennsylvania is a critical freight corridor, and the Shapiro administration is committed to supporting investments that will help keep goods flowing safely and efficiently through the Commonwealth."

    The Rebuilding Western Pennsylvania project will be making a series of infrastructure improvements to the Main Line Subdivision and P&W Subdivision of the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad in Jefferson, Armstrong, Butler and Lawrence counties.

    The project will improve safety, freight reliability, and supply chain efficiency. The rail line interchanges with Canadian National Railway, CSX, and Allegheny Valley Railroad and supports the transportation of multiple commodities such as aggregates, automotive products, chemicals, coal, food and feed products, metals, minerals, and lumber. Construction is expected to be complete at the end of 2026.

    The project's estimated cost is approximately $25 million, with the CRISI grant providing 45% of the funds. PennDOT will provide $4 million and BPRR will provide $9.75 million in matching funds.

    Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads – the most of any state in the country – and ranks fifth in total track mileage with more than 5,600 miles. The 2020 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan (PDF) reported that in 2017, 193.5 million tons of freight in 4.9 million railcars moved over the state's rail transportation system.

    More information on PennDOT's work related to rail freight in Pennsylvania can be found on PennDOT's website.

    Contact: Alexis Campbell, PennDOT, alecampbel@pa.gov, 717-783-8800