/ Rail / At Least $125 million Available to Local Communities for Rail Overpass Projects Through “Local Trax” Matching Grant Program

At Least $125 million Available to Local Communities for Rail Overpass Projects Through “Local Trax” Matching Grant Program

Parul Dubey on April 4, 2018 - in Rail, Transportation

CHESTERTON, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation today announced the agency will make available at least $125 million for high-priority railroad safety projects on local roads statewide through the agency’s new “Local Trax” matching grant program.

Local Trax provides state matching funds for Indiana cities, towns, and counties interested in pursuing high-priority railroad grade separations, crossing closures, and other safety enhancements at railroad intersections with local roads.

“Much like Community Crossings, Local Trax is an innovative approach to infrastructure funding that creates a partnership between the state and communities willing to put skin in the game toward improving their local roads,” Governor Eric. J Holcomb said. “Eliminating at-grade rail crossings on local roads makes our transportation network safer, reduces congestion, and better connects our communities.”

INDOT will begin accepting project proposals from local agencies in May. The application window will stay open until August 31 with the awarding funds expected to be announced in late summer. Local Trax requires local governments to provide only 20 percent of funding for land acquisition and construction with the state providing the other 80 percent.

“Thanks to Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Roads plan and the support of state lawmakers, Indiana is able to invest in infrastructure, both highways and local roads, at levels not seen before in our state’s history,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “Local Trax will direct needed funds to high priority local rail projects, enhancing mobility and livability in our communities.”

The goal of Local Trax is to encourage partnership between the state, local governments, private businesses, and railroads to increase safety, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for Hoosiers.

“The railroad industry is pleased to collaborate with state and local governments on this very important issue,” commented Kristin Bevil, President of the Indiana Railway Coalition. “This unique program furthers efforts to improve safety at railroad crossings, a matter the railroads take very seriously.”

Funding authorization for Local Trax was granted in HEA1002-2017, the long-term, sustainable road funding plan passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed by Governor Holcomb in April 2017.

INDOT will hold a series of meetings around the state later this month for local officials to present program details and requirements and answer questions.
•Monday, April 9: 1 p.m. INDOT Greenfield District Office, 32 S. Broadway Street, Greenfield, IN 46140

 

•Wednesday, April 11: 1 p.m. INDOT Crawfordsville District Office, 41 West 300 North, Crawfordsville IN 47933

 

•Friday, April 13: 1 p.m. INDOT Seymour District Office, 185 Agrico Lane, Seymour, IN 47274

 

•Monday, April 16: 1 p.m. Central INDOT LaPorte District Office, 315 E. Boyd Blvd, LaPorte, IN 46350

 

•Wednesday, April 18: 1 p.m. INDOT Fort Wayne District Office, 5333 Hatfield Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

 

•Friday, April 20: 1 p.m. INDOT Vincennes District Office, 3650 South U.S. 41, Vincennes, IN 47591

Email [email protected] to reserve your seat.

More information about Local Trax is online at http://www.in.gov/indot/2390.htm.

image001.jpg

About Next Level Roads
“In Indiana, the Crossroads of America is more than a motto; it’s our mission.”
– Governor Eric Holcomb

 

Next Level Roads is Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s initiative to elevate Indiana’s economic competitiveness and quality of life for all Hoosiers through investment in transportation infrastructure. This sustainable, data-driven plan dedicates more than $30 billion over the next 20 years to improving the conditions of existing roads and bridges – both state and local, finishing major projects, and building for the future. Next Level Roads is enhancing Indiana’s position as a leader in freight and logistics and empowering cities, towns and counties to build communities that attract jobs and talent. Learn more about Next Level Roads at in.gov/indot.

 

About the Indiana Department of Transportation
INDOT empowers businesses to deliver Indiana to the world and bring the world to Indiana by providing a transportation network that is second to none. The agency builds and maintains more than 28,000 lane miles of highway and 5,600 bridges, and provides oversight for 117 public aviation facilities and more than 4,000 miles of active rail lines. Indiana ranked as the #1 state in the U.S. for infrastructure in CNBC’s 2016 “Top States for Business” ranking. Learn more about INDOT at in.gov/indot.

Comments are disabled