Fetterman Announces $42.2 Million in Funding for Pennsylvania’s Rail Infrastructure

BRADDOCK, PA - Today, U.S. Senator Fetterman (D-PA) announced $42,287,800 in funding for Pennsylvania's rail infrastructure through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Program. Three of the four awards were supported by Senator Fetterman and the funds will improve safety, efficiency, and reliability along four of the Commonwealth's rail corridors: the Lehigh Valley Rail corridor in Bethlehem, the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad in Western Pennsylvania, the Colebrookdale Railroad connecting Berks and Montgomery counties, and the Everett Railroad in Blair County.

"Railroads have powered Pennsylvania for generations, and today, the Commonwealth has one of the largest rail networks in the nation. Investing in this infrastructure is crucial for our communities and our economy," said Senator Fetterman. "I'm grateful to Secretary Duffy and FRA Administrator Fink for honoring Pennsylvania's rail legacy and investing in its future."

$15,894,420 for Lehigh Valley Rail Management LLC (Lehigh Valley Rail Corridor)

This funding will support track rehabilitation and related improvements along the Lehigh Valley Rail corridor in Bethlehem. Upgrades include turnout replacements, bridge and terminal improvements, and capacity upgrades to support the modern 286,000-pound weight standard for freight railcars. This investment will improve safety, enhance freight mobility, and bolster economic opportunity for the region's manufacturers and businesses. In July, Senator Fetterman wrote a letter of support for LVRM's application to FRA Administrator David Fink.

"Lehigh Valley Rail Management and Phoenix Rail are proud to partner with our customers, the Federal Railroad Administration, and our champions in Congress," said LVRM CEO Alex Yeros. "The STEEL project is an investment to modernize aging infrastructure, breathing new life into a critical node in the national rail network with over a century of contributing to the Pennsylvania economy. We are grateful for their support of a project that will strengthen the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railroad, and support job growth for our customers and the Lehigh Valley."

$13,621,400 for the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR)

This award will support critical upgrades to two bridges and one tunnel along BPRR's main line in Western Pennsylvania. Specifically, these funds would support steel and span rehabilitation for the 1,680-foot-long Mosgrove Bridge, which was constructed in 1899; enable upgrades to components and steel structures for two 50-foot-long timber bridges over Connoquenessing Creek in BPRR's Butler Yard; and provide critical arch restoration and improved clearances for the 2,322-foot-long Simpson Tunnel, which was built in 1899 and suffered a partial ceiling collapse in 2024. Senator Fetterman advocated for this funding in a letter to FRA Administrator Fink in July.

"Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad is grateful for the support from our elected officials in the state. These funds will help carry out critical upgrades to our freight-rail infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania, enabling us to provide safer transportation service to area industries that rely on us," said a representative for Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad.

$10,108,230 for the Eastern Berks Gateway Railroad Company (Colebrookdale Railroad)

This funding will rehabilitate approximately five miles of track along the Colebrookdale Railroad, an active freight and heritage tourist railroad connecting Berks and Montgomery counties. This CRISI award builds on a recent $25 million investment in the railroad's Pottstown terminal through the Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Senator Fetterman fought for both of these awards and submitted letters of support to FRA Administrator Fink and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for the CRISI and BUILD projects respectively.

"Berks County and the Eastern Berks Gateway Railroad are grateful for the strong support of Senator Fetterman and the entire federal delegation. The joint letter of support from Senators Fetterman and McCormick played an important role in securing this grant, which provides the final funding needed to complete the core track infrastructure connecting Boyertown in Berks County with Pottstown in Montgomery County," said Christian Y. Leinbach, Chair of the Berks County Board of Commissioners.

"We're grateful to our federal partners, Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and Congresswoman Dean, for continuing to invest in the Colebrookdale Railroad and the communities it connects. This $10 million investment will help strengthen an important piece of our region's infrastructure while preserving a unique part of Pennsylvania's history for generations to come," said Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

"Tourism and recreation bring people to Montgomery County, support local businesses, and generate economic activity that strengthens our communities. We're grateful to Senator Fetterman and our federal partners for helping secure another major federal investment that builds on that momentum while supporting one of our region's unique historic assets," said Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija.

"This investment keeps the momentum going for the Colebrookdale Railroad and the Pottstown area. It will help bring more visitors to the region, support local businesses, and build on the progress already underway in this important part of Montgomery County," said Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello.

The remaining $2,663,750 is awarded to the Everett Railroad Company to support track rehabilitation and rail equipment for the Everett Railroad, a heritage railroad in Blair Country.