In April, W.Y.D.O.T. announced the Federal Railroad Administration had accepted a multi-million dollar grant request to replace two bridges on Interstate 80 that cross over the Union Pacific Railroad. The structures are located on the eastbound and westbound lanes approximately 11 miles west of Cheyenne.
Constructed in the late 1950s, the crossing structures have undergone multiple rehabilitations. After determining that the structures met replacement criteria, W.Y.D.O.T. began applying for federal funding in January 2021.
Funding for this project will come from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement’s Special Transportation Circumstances Program – money directed to states that do not have inner-city passenger rail service. The department is grateful to the state’s Congressional delegation for its assistance in making Wyoming eligible for this funding.
Through this grant, W.Y.D.O.T. will receive up to 80% of funds from the federal government and will match the remaining amount. The total estimated cost of the project is about $18 million.
“We appreciate F.R.A.’s approval of our project and grant request,” said W.Y.D.O.T. Assistant Chief Engineer of Engineering and Planning Keith Fulton. “This project will help to improve safety for both the railroad and the traveling public.”
Now that the project has been accepted, W.Y.D.O.T. will work to finalize the project agreement, including developing a work plan, budget, and schedule. The project could take up to five years to complete once the project agreement is done.
W.Y.D.O.T. looks forward to working with F.R.A. on this project and future railroad/highway safety projects using grant program funds.
