DAVENPORT, Iowa — The City of Davenport is set to receive $2.7 million in federal funding to improve railroad safety along the riverfront corridor, according to a press release.
Part of the project will include putting lights, medians, signage, fencing and gates at rail crossings on the riverfront, going from Marquette Street to Mound Street. According to the release, this will be done to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.
After the installations, the city will work with the Federal Railroad Administration, Canadian Pacific and the Iowa Department of Transportation to establish a quiet zone. The release states this will help in "reducing noise pollution" and aims to increase the quality of life for Davenport's residents and visitors.
"Let's say at night, especially, if there's no one there and there's no safety hazard, this allows that train to be able to go straight through all of those intersections and not have to blow their horn," Clay Merritt, Davenport Assistant Public Works Director, said.
The grant money was made available through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program was designed to fund projects that improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of rail transportation systems. On Monday, the Biden administration announced $1.4 billion dollars would be going to 35 states under the program.
Keokuk and the Iowa City region will also be receiving funding from the program. Keokuk is set to receive $15 million and Iowa City will see $5.8 million
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“We are excited for this announcement and for the upcoming partnerships that will result in a huge improvement for our community. The City appreciates the support from Canadian Pacific, state and federal agencies making this grant application successful," Merritt said.
Altogether the project in Davenport is estimated to cost around $3.4 million.
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