Bethlehem, March 27, 2018 – State Senator Lisa M. Boscola today announced a $350,000 grant was awarded to Lehigh Valley Rail Management, LLC today to assist with improving rail freight operations in the Lehigh Valley. 

“It’s critical that we have a balanced system of moving goods into and from the Lehigh Valley,” Boscola said. “This Rail Assistance grant to Lehigh Valley Rail Management will further enhance our region’s ability to meet this goal.” 

Lehigh Valley Rail Management will use the funds to rehabilitate approximately four miles of track, including the replacement of approximately 850 crossties, 50 switch timbers and 3 turnouts in the River Interchange Yard, which will improve interchange operation. Project also includes raise, line, and surfacing of 20,000 feet of track.  The improvements will assist with the increased train lengths and interchange with Norfolk Southern.  The project is estimated to create 9 jobs and is estimated to maintain diverted truck traffic by 180,000 annually. 

Pennsylvania ranks first in the country with 67 operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage (more than 5,600 miles).  PennDOT provides financial and technical assistance to railroads and businesses to promote economic development throughout the Commonwealth. 

The grant funds were approved by the State Transportation Commission (STC) at its meeting today in Harrisburg. 

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