Olathe receives $18 million in federal aid to eliminate dangerous railroad crossing

As part of President Joe Biden’s 2021 infrastructure law, the Federal Railroad Administration is awarding Olathe nearly $18 million in federal funding to build an overpass over the crossing at Woodland Street and Northgate Road.

The project is part of a broader effort to eliminate dangerous railroad crossings and, in Johnson County, expand 119th Street between Kansas 7 Highway and Interstate 35.

The four lane bridge will span over the BSNF rail line in the area and Mill Creek and include a direct connection to the existing trail system for bikes and pedestrians.

“Far too many accidents occur at rail crossings, including right here in our community,” Rep. Sharice Davids, the Democrat who represents the district, said in a statement announcing the funding.

“The fatalities that follow are preventable, and thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, folks traveling to work or school will no longer have to cross this rail junction on 119th Street. But not only will this project improve safety, it will also decrease commute times and provide a new sidewalk so Kansans can enjoy the Gary Haller Trail.”

In addition to the Olathe funding, the Federal Railroad Administration announced funds Monday to address railroad crossings in Wellington and Emporia in Kansas.

The agency allocated $2 million to the Kansas City Port Authority to study rail crossing eliminations in the Berkley Riverfront area.