Salem, Oregon – Three railroad crossings in Harrisburg are slated to close, while a crossing in Douglas County will move closer to a possible long-term redesign under federal awards totaling more than $5.3 million.
The projects address concerns that reach beyond delays at the tracks: emergency access, public safety and the movement of freight that Oregon businesses depend on.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Janelle Bynum announced the funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination/Crossing Safety program. The awards will support improvements in Linn and Douglas counties, with each project tackling a different stage of railroad safety work.
Harrisburg will receive $3,583,594 to close three at-grade crossings, improve visibility along the tracks and make several roadway improvements. That award accounts for roughly two-thirds of the combined funding.
Douglas County will receive $1,763,336 for a feasibility study and preliminary engineering for a future grade separation where Old Highway 99 meets the Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad in Wilbur. The award supports planning work toward a potential solution to concerns about emergency access, safety and freight movement.
“Farmers and manufacturers across Oregon rely on railroads to ship their products to markets across the world,” Wyden said.
He said the investment would improve crossing safety and railway efficiency while supporting local economies, and pledged to continue seeking infrastructure resources for small businesses.
Merkley emphasized the projects’ role in preventing traffic disruptions and protecting people traveling by train, vehicle or on foot. Hoyle said the Douglas County investment would strengthen rail safety, address emergency access concerns and improve intercity freight efficiency.
“Nobody likes getting stuck at the train tracks, but I’ll take being a few minutes late over playing with our safety,” Bynum said. “This money is about making sure we can get around safely while giving our economy room to grow and bringing more business to Oregon.”
For Douglas County, the funding marks a step toward a longer-term project. Commissioner and Board Chair Tom Kress thanked Oregon’s federal delegation and stressed the cooperation needed to advance the work.
“These projects take time and partnership to advance, and this funding gives us an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward finding a long-term solution,” Kress said.
