Kelly, Sinema Announce $7 Million to Improve Road & Railroad Safety in Phoenix

Federal grant will make improvements to the heavily-trafficked crossings between 43^rd and Camelback and 19^th and McDowell in Phoenix

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema  announced that over $7 million will be awarded to improve safety of two heavily trafficked railroad crossings in Phoenix – 43^rd and Camelback and 19^th and McDowell – providing more safety for residents and businesses located on either side of the tracks. Currently, both crossings are not protected by gate arms, only by signals – creating a situation where cars and trucks routinely stop on the tracks while waiting for the light to change.

“Major upgrades coming to these Phoenix rail crossings will make our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians, protect our rail supply chains, and create more good-paying jobs,” said Kelly.

“Today’s grants announcement will provide much needed road safety improvements to two heavily-trafficked crossings in Phoenix, keeping pedestrians and drivers safe while improving our infrastructure,” said Sinema.

These U.S. Department of Transportation grants, funded from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program,  will make needed upgrades to these two crossings by installing gate arms and signals, increasing sidewalk width, and making road upgrades that include realignment of traffic signals and road widening. These upgrades will provide safety benefits for students attending public schools within a few blocks of the crossing, safer rail and car movements, and reduced emissions. The City of Phoenix will also provide a 30% match.

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law significantly strengthens CRISI grants to support projects like these ones.