LITTLE ROCK (4-9) – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) was awarded
funding from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant
program. The CRISI grant program assists departments of transportation by directing
available funds towards rural communities to safely connect and upgrade rural America’s
rail infrastructure.

“The CRISI grants will help make rail systems safer and more efficient for local communities
throughout the country,” said Federal Rail Administrator Ronald L. Batory.

Arkansas will receive $685,600 to improve the signage and pavement markings at 298 atgrade highway-railway crossings on state and U.S. routes. The project is expected to improve
safety for motorists and could result in a reduction of $1.8 million per year in costs associated
with highway-rail grade crossing crashes. Fifty-two counties will benefit from installation of
133 Advanced Warning Signs, 473 Railroad Pavement Marking Symbols, and 494 Stop Lines.

“These funds will help repair and upgrade rail infrastructure that will increase safety and
service,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) mission is to enable the safe, reliable, and
efficient movement of people and goods for a strong America, now and in the future.

“ARDOT will utilize these funds to help repair and upgrade Arkansas’ rail infrastructure,”
stated ARDOT Director Scott Bennett. “In turn, this will increase safety at hundreds of
crossings.”

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