Fetterman announces $42.3 million for Pennsylvania rail infrastructure

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) announced more than $42.2 million in federal funding for rail infrastructure projects across Pennsylvania, targeting improvements to freight corridors, aging bridges, tunnels and railroad tracks.

The $42,287,800 in awards comes through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, part of a nationwide funding package announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Fetterman’s office detailed the Pennsylvania awards in its funding announcement.

The Pennsylvania projects cover four rail corridors, with improvements intended to strengthen safety, reliability and freight capacity.

The largest award, $15.89 million, will go to Lehigh Valley Rail Management LLC for improvements to the Lehigh Valley Rail corridor in Bethlehem. The project includes track and turnout replacements, bridge and terminal upgrades, and modifications to accommodate heavier freight railcars.

Another $13.62 million will support improvements to the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad in western Pennsylvania. The work includes rehabilitation of the 1,680-foot Mosgrove Bridge, upgrades to two timber bridges in Butler and restoration of the Simpson Tunnel, which experienced a partial ceiling collapse in 2024.

The Eastern Berks Gateway Railroad, which operates the Colebrookdale Railroad connecting Berks and Montgomery counties, will receive approximately $10.11 million to rehabilitate about five miles of track. The grant builds on a separate $25 million federal investment in the railroad’s Pottstown terminal.

The remaining $2.66 million will support track rehabilitation and railroad equipment for the Everett Railroad in Blair County.

Fetterman said the investments would help modernize Pennsylvania’s extensive rail network and support businesses and communities that depend on freight transportation. He had submitted letters of support for several of the projects before the awards were announced.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement describes the broader federal package, which includes approximately $2.3 billion for 105 rail projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia.

The federal program funds improvements to freight and intercity passenger rail infrastructure, including projects designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the reliability of rail service.

For Pennsylvania, the grants are aimed at infrastructure with direct implications for manufacturers, freight operators, regional businesses and tourism-dependent communities.