Grant funding for Tecumseh Road Railroad Grade Separation Project awarded to City of Norman

The City of Norman has been awarded $1.44 million in federal assistance through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program to support planning and project development for the Tecumseh Road Railroad Grade Separation Project.

The federal award will fund planning and project development activities necessary to advance a future project intended to eliminate the at-grade highway-rail crossing where Tecumseh Road (US 77) crosses the BNSF Railway Red Rock Subdivision. The rail crossing is located on Tecumseh Road, generally between Wellsite Drive and Macdonnell Drive.

"The planning process will determine whether a future grade separation at the crossing will be constructed as an overpass or underpass," said Scott Sturtz, Director of Public Works.

Completion of this type of project would improve overall community safety, said Public Works officials. BNSF Railway Red Rock Subdivision is an active rail corridor that serves passenger and freight rail operations. A grade separation would allow roadway and rail traffic to move independently, eliminating conflicts associated with the existing at-grade crossing.

"This funding allows us to take the next critical step toward finding a long-term solution for the Tecumseh Road crossing," said David Riesland, Transportation Engineer. "There are multiple roadways in Norman that meet a rail crossing for this BNSF subdivision but only one underpass at this time - at Robinson - to bypass the tracks should there by a train stopped or passing through. Making way for another motorist outlet benefits the community as well as first responders."

Norman has experienced substantial growth in the past 10 years and as that growth continues, efficient routes will be imperative.

"This is an important investment in Norman's transportation infrastructure and our community's long-term safety and mobility," said City Manager Darrel Pyle. "We appreciate the partnership and support of the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as the BNSF Railway Company as we begin this planning process. This funding gives us the resources to thoroughly study the project and identify the best path forward for this important transportation corridor."

The City of Norman will provide additional information at Normanok.gov as the process moves forward.

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