Olathe receives grant to evaluate railroad crossings

The Olathe City Government received a $1.75 million federal grant Thursday to evaluate nine railroad crossings throughout the city. 

These evaluations will look at safety concerns and propose potential solutions — for example, a new overpass or bridge. A similar process led to the city's 119th Extension project, a massive flyover extension that helps traffic avoid railroad crossings.

The crossings up for evaluation include nine BNSF railroad crossings in west Olathe between Woodland and Dennis. The city is paying $400,000 for the study and BNSF is adding another $100,000.

This grant comes from the Department of Transportation’s Rail Crossing Elimination Grant Program, a part of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Kansas's Third District saw two other grants given to Gardner and Spring Hill for railroad assessments.

“The bipartisan infrastructure law is continuing to make a difference for Kansans and I’m thrilled that local governments in the Third District are taking advantage of the opportunities made possible by this historic law,” Sharice Davids, Third District representative, said. “This grant means less traffic, fewer accidents, and safer roadways for the thousands of Kansans navigating these rail crossings when commuting to work, school, and home.”