Vermont will receive $60.3 million in federal funding for improvements to approximately 60 miles of its Western Corridor rail line, the state's congressional delegation announced Oct. 20.
The award will support rail replacement, track realignment and improvements to ties, ballast, switches and 22 road crossings, according to the delegation's announcement. Ballast is the stone supporting the track; switches allow trains to move from one track to another.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing the money to the Vermont Agency of Transportation through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program.
Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said the work will support businesses that move bulk goods by rail and improve their connections with the country's major freight railroads. The delegation described safer and more reliable service as project goals.
The announcement did not include a construction schedule.
The award was announced jointly by U.S. Rep. Becca Balint and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch.