Yuma, Arizona (AZ Family) — Much-needed funding is coming to Arizona to upgrade railroad crossings and improve safety.

Railroads are essential for transporting goods and have existed in Arizona since the late 1800s, but some are in need of renovation.

That’s all $46 million in bipartisan infrastructure funding. The legislation will be used to study and strengthen railroad crossings throughout Arizona.

The money will go towards improving or eliminating railroad crossings in Yuma County, Hualapai Tribe lands, Gilbert and Marana.

Dave Nash and the City of Yuma He said the funding will help county leaders determine the best solution for railroad crossings in the area.

In Yuma County, three railroad crossings will be inspected: Avenue 9E, Fortuna Road and the Town of Welton railroad crossing.

More than $600,000 from the grant will go toward these projects.

“This study will help determine how they should be strengthened, such as overpasses over the railroad tracks, bridges like the one on Pacific Avenue, and another way to do it: underpasses. Both are very expensive,” Nash said.

Officials are also looking for ways to ease congestion. The railroad crossing at 9E in Yuma is notorious for causing traffic backups.

“Everything they’re looking at in this study is on a very busy road,” Nash said.

“Anything we can do to minimize the potential for disruption to the flow of goods, in addition to enhancing public safety, is a win-win.”

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said rail is a safe and efficient mode of transportation that is critical to the state’s economy.

“This funding to renovate older railroad crossings will protect motorists, improve the movement of goods and people, create jobs, and create safer and more reliable transportation for everyone,” Kelly said in a news release. It will guarantee the system.”

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