Ventura County, California — The Federal Highway Administration announced a $12.5 million grant to upgrade three high‑volume at‑grade crossings in the region, marking one of five projects that together amount to $59 million in safety improvements across California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

Highway‑rail intersections remain a top cause of fatal collisions in the United States. Truck drivers, in particular, face heightened risk when large rigs must cross tracks that are not clearly marked or controlled. By installing new signal features, gates, lighting and warning systems, the federal grant aims to reduce these incidents and protect not only drivers but also pedestrians, bicyclists and commuters.

The funding comes through the Federal Highway Administration’s Commuter Authority Rail Safety Improvement (CARSI) program, which works jointly with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. In January 2021, the program awarded $40.2 million for Round One projects; the current awards, announced on September 10, 2026, total $59 million. The recipients are the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) for Ventura County, the Southern Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) for 25 crossings on the Tri‑Rail line, the New York State Department of Transportation with Metro North Railroad for accessibility upgrades in Dutchess, Nassau, Putnam and Suffolk counties, the New York State Department of Transportation with Long Island Railroad for nine grade crossings, and the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for 22 crossings in the region. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the priority of safety, noting that “today’s grants, along with additional funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will improve safety at highway‑rail crossings for travelers, whether they’re riding, driving, biking, or walking.” Acting Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack added that the investment “shows how multi‑modal coordination and investment will improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians traveling where roads and railways intersect.” The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act maintains $245 million per year for the Highway Administration’s Rail‑Highway Crossings Program for the next five years.

What This Means for Drivers

Truckers operating in Ventura County will soon encounter new signal lights that give clear visual cues to move away from tracks before a train arrives, cutting the likelihood of a collision. In Southern Florida, modernized crossings with improved lighting will provide better visibility during night and adverse weather, reducing the chance of oversights on the 25 upgraded Tri‑Rail crossings. New York’s upgrades include better warning systems and accessibility features for pedestrians, meaning drivers will see clearer signs and barriers, which in turn lowers the risk of a vehicle running a red light. In Pennsylvania, the installation of gates and new pavement markings at 22 crossings will create a physical barrier that forces vehicles to stop before crossing, a critical safety feature for large rigs that can be difficult to stop quickly. These enhancements also help fleets stay compliant with FMCSA regulations that emphasize safe operations at rail crossings.

Industry Reaction

While the source does not quote specific trucking associations, the broader industry has welcomed the federal focus on rail‑crossing safety. Owner‑operators and fleet managers alike view the grants as a proactive step that can reduce costly incidents, downtime and liability. The improvements are expected to translate into fewer insurance claims and lower repair costs, benefits that resonate across the trucking community.

Key Points

• $59 million total grant from the FHWA’s CARSI program, split across five projects in four states.
• Ventura County receives $12.5 million for three high‑volume crossings, including new signal features.
• Florida’s SFRTA gets $12.9 million to modernize 25 Tri‑Rail crossings with better lighting.
• New York and Pennsylvania receive combined $34.4 million for accessibility upgrades, warning systems, gates and pavement markings.

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