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VIERA, FLA –The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $4.9 million Rail Crossing Elimination Grant (RCEP) from the Federal Railroad Administration. This grant will support the final design and construction of approximately 15 exit gates and two medians at seven highway-railroad grade crossings. This important project will further enhance public safety and create “sealed” rail corridors, deterring vehicles from illegally maneuvering around gates.
The project will be a $6.1 million safety investment in Brevard County. The local match will be provided by Brevard County, the City of Cocoa and the City of Melbourne, and the RCEP grant will cover 80 percent of the total project cost. Brightline Trains Florida, the SCTPO’s supporting partner, will lead the project’s design and construction.
“At the SCTPO, safety is our top priority as we plan for tomorrow's transportation system. These proposed enhancements represent a significant step forward to ensure the safety of all road users, in alignment with Vision Zero goals to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on roadways,” said Georganna Gillette, Executive Director of SCTPO.
“Brightline appreciates local communities coming together and proposing projects to enhance safety along the rail corridor,” said Patrick Goddard, President of Brightline. “We thank the partners and the federal delegation for supporting this important initiative. Safety starts with each of us, and Brightline continues to implore the community to exercise safe actions around the railroad.”
“As south and central Florida’s railway traffic grows through innovative projects like Brightline, it is crucial that we invest in improving the safety of railway crossings to reduce crashes and save lives, stated Congressman Mike Haridopolos, Representative of the 8th District of Florida. “I’m grateful for the work of the SCTPO and its partners for their work on this project, and I look forward to working to continue to improve railway crossing safety in Brevard County.”
Project Overview:
The $6.1 million safety investment will be used to:
- Enhance seven highway-railroad grade crossings with approximately 15 exit gates and two medians.
- Reduce the loss of life, railway collisions, trespassing, and other safety-related violations.
- Reduce costly damage to public and private property due to road/rail crashes and reduce traffic backups and grade crossing closures resulting from crashes.
Grade Crossing Enhancements:
These are the proposed enhancements for the seven grade crossings.
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