McClellan Announces $6 Million in DOT Grant Award to Enhance Safety and Improve Service of Central Virginia Rail

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced Buckingham Branch Railroad Company (BBRC) will receive $6,000,000 from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program operated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The grant award will fund final design and construction activities on the BBRC Piedmont Subdivision, which will enhance safety and improve service and system performance.

The federal funding provided by DOT will address the deteriorating conditions of ties, 83 miles of track, and seven grade crossings on the Piedmont Subdivision, which provides critical passenger rail service in communities like Richmond and Charlottesville. These track and tie replacements and resurfacing will increase resiliency and efficiency of the railway and reduce risk of derailment.

“We must ensure we maintain and repair the infrastructure on the BBRC Piedmont Subdivision to sustain freight rail in rural and central Virginia,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “This robust grant funding will improve safety, efficiency, and resiliency and lay the groundwork for potential future passenger rail service connecting Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia, something I have advocated for both in the Virginia General Assembly and now in Congress. I thank the Department of Transportation for this award and applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for its continued support of our nation’s rail systems.”

CRISI supports projects aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. CRISI has made more than $2.4 billion available in CRISI grants for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years. 

You can read more about the grant awards provided by CRISI here.