Featured Rail News
Highway-railroad crossing improvements planned
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved funding for safety improvements at 26 highway-railroad crossings and improvements to the crossing surface at 12 highway-railroad at-grade crossings on November 13, 2012. The projects are scheduled for completion in 2014. The safety improvements include the addition of lights with gate arms or circuitry upgrades that offer an effective, cost-efficient improvement at crossings with a high probability for a serious crash. The crossing surface improvements help maintain a safe and smooth highway-railroad crossing for Iowa's motorists.Press release –Safety improvements at highway-railroad grade crossings, Nov. 14, 2012
Press release - Repairs planned to highway-railroad grade crossings across Iowa, Nov. 14, 2012
More than $4 million awarded through Iowa's Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program
The Iowa Transportation Commission on September 11, 2012 approved more than $4 million in funding for rail development projects under the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program. The rail projects are expected to support the creation of 110 jobs within three years of completion, and spur development of six industrial areas across the state.Press release – Sept. 11, 2012
Chicago to Omaha Regional Passenger Rail System Planning Study
Provide a comment, complete a survey or join a mailing list to stay up-to-date on developments as the Tier I environmental impact study gets under way.More information on the study.
Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program
Applications are now being accepted for an expected $3 million of financial assistance to improve rail facilities. Applications received by 3:30 p.m. on June 17, 2013 will be considered for awards.Full details.
Iowa and Illinois Receive $230 Million for Chicago-to-Iowa City Intercity Passenger Rail Route
The Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation received word October 25, 2010 that they will be receiving $230 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to initiate intercity passenger rail service on a route from Chicago to Iowa City via the Quad Cities. More informationWhat's new or of note ...
Iowa's rail network offers a great opportunity for passenger rail service, connecting Iowa's largest urban areas to Chicago and potential other Midwest metropolitan centers.
On April 24, 2012 users and providers of the transportation industry, economic development officials and others met at this conference to discover some of the transportation trends and innovations used by businesses to protect, grow and strengthen Iowa’s economy. Postings of presentations from the conference are now available. Co-sponsored by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Department of Transportation.
Visit the Iowa DOT’s Recovery website to learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or Recovery Act) of 2009. The ARRA was signed into law by President Obama Feb. 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. Funding made available through the Recovery Act will assist Iowa in strengthening its transportation systems, including Iowa’s rail, transit, aviation, highways, waterways, and other modes of surface transportation.
