The following funding programs facilitate efforts to improve safety at grade crossings. Click on the title of each section to learn more about each program, including applicant and project eligibility, how to apply for funding, and application deadlines.

FRA Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs

Each year, FRA supports projects to improve grade crossing safety and reduce trespassing through a variety of competitive grant programs. States, public agencies, Amtrak, intercity passenger rail carriers, regional and short line railroads, universities, and labor organizations may be eligible applicants for discretionary grants for projects to improve grade crossing safety. Applicant and project eligibility are outlined in each grant program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity.  

FRA Safety Research Funding Program

FRA releases at least one Broad Agency Announcement each year to solicit applied technology research projects that will support DOT and FRA goals to improve rail safety, including grade crossing safety. The program attracts dozens of proposals annually from government organizations, industry, and universities, and it generates creative approaches that will have a direct effect on the safety and efficiency of freight and passenger rail operations in the United States. 

Federal Highway Administration Railway-Highway Crossings (Section 130) Grant Program

Another agency within the DOT that funds grade crossing safety improvements is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA Railway-Highway Crossings (Section 130) Program provides funds for the elimination of hazards at highway-rail grade crossings. Eligible projects include those involving all public rail crossings: roadways, bike trails, and pedestrian paths.