Massachusetts has won about $30 million in federal funding to replace two West Springfield railroad crossings with a roadway overpass, the Healey administration announced Oct. 30.
The Front and First Street crossings are near the CSX Intermodal Terminal, where trains entering and leaving the facility can block traffic several times a day. The proposed overpass would let vehicles and pedestrians cross without waiting for a train to clear.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the money through its Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. The state announcement describes a $30 million award; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was quoted in the announcement putting the award at $30.3 million. CSX is contributing $2 million, according to MassDOT.
The project is part of Compass Rail, the state's passenger-rail expansion program. Officials say separating road and rail traffic will also support freight operations and future West-East Rail service.
The state announcement does not give a construction start or completion date.