The proposed 42nd Street grade separation project is getting a financial shot in the arm. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will travel to Grand Forks this afternoon (Monday) announce a federal grant up to $30 million dollars to support the underpass.
The current proposals on the table range in price between $44 and $54 million dollars.
The proposed project will support the final design and construction plus 10-foot shared-use path. A statement on the award suggests the project will reduce 131 hours of vehicle delays and improve public safety caused by the nearby rail transfer yard.
The 42nd Street Grade Separation Project is also intended to improve connectivity to health care facilities.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation – partners BNSF and the City of Grand Forks – will contribute a 38% non-Federal match. The project includes $7,500,000 in Federal Highway Administration funds.
The Grand Forks grant is part of a $570 million dollar package for rail improvement projects in 32 states.
Reaction:
Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski:
“We are very grateful to receive the Federal Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant from the US Department of Transportation for the railroad crossing project at 42nd St. and Demers Ave. This is a project that we have been working to get done for nearly 20 years. I would like to thank our federal delegation for raising awareness of this project at a national level and for continuing to champion Grand Forks. I would also like to thank our City engineering staff for their relentless work along with the ND Department of Transportation and BNSF to try to find a funding solution for this project. Receiving this grant is not the end of the work, it’s just the beginning. It is now on the city of Grand Forks and our important partners to execute and deliver on this timely project.”
U.S. Senator John Hoeven:
“We worked to secure this $30 million award, as it will support needed improvements to the rail crossing at 42nd Street in Grand Forks, providing both a grade separation for the road and a walking path. These enhancements will benefit not only those who attend and work at UND, a world-class institution that prepares students in a wide array of fields important to our state and nation, but improve efficiency and safety for the city’s residents and all those who travel through Grand Forks.”
NDDOT Director Ron Henke:
“This project is going to bring significant advancements in safety and convenience to the residents of Grand Forks and the thousands of students who travel to the University of North Dakota campus. We thank the USDOT for recognizing the impact of this investment and look forward to working with our partners from Grand Forks, UND and BNSF Railway to improve the quality of life for area residents.”
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