Shelbyville, IN [November 12, 2024]-  The City of Shelbyville Street Department has been awarded a $15,470 grant through the Railroad Grade Crossing Fund (GCF) to enhance safety at railroad-highway intersections. This funding, provided by the Indiana State Legislature, is part of a broader initiative to improve safety at passive railroad crossings throughout Indiana. Passive crossings rely on non-train activated devices such as crossbucks and stop signs, as opposed to train-activated systems, which are typically funded through federal programs.

The Railroad Grade Crossing Fund (I.C. 8-6-7.7-6.1) is managed by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Rail Programs Office and aims to improve public safety at railroad crossings by providing financial assistance to local public agencies. This grant is specifically designed for non-matching projects, allowing communities like Shelbyville to implement critical safety improvements without the need for a local financial match.

Street Commissioner, Shane Peters, expressed gratitude for the award, stating, “This grant will allow us to enhance safety measures at key railroad crossings in Shelbyville, ensuring that residents can travel more safely through these areas. We are thankful to INDOT for recognizing the need for this funding and look forward to the improvements it will bring to our community.”

The grant will be used for passive safety improvements at Shelbyville’s designated railroad crossings, ensuring compliance with the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The enhancements will include upgrades such as signage and other warning devices to increase awareness and improve driver safety at these critical intersections.

The GCF program supports local public agencies like Shelbyville by funding various types of railroad-highway crossing safety projects, with a focus on increasing safety for both motorists and pedestrians. The program also includes flexibility for additional safety projects under the “Other Safety Improvement” (OSI) component, which allows for a wide range of enhancements designed to reduce accidents at public crossings.

Shelbyville’s Street Department will manage the project and work closely with INDOT to ensure timely completion and compliance with all grant requirements. Regular progress reports will be submitted to INDOT as part of the oversight process, and the city will receive reimbursement for the work once inspections are completed.

For more information about the Railroad Grade Crossing Fund and the City of Shelbyville’s safety improvement projects, please visit the INDOT Rail Programs website.

About the City of Shelbyville:  

The City of Shelbyville is dedicated to providing its residents with a safe, vibrant, and growing community. Through progressive planning and initiatives, the city works to enhance the quality of life for all citizens by investing in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

Contact:

Shane Peters, Street Commissioner

speters@cityofshelbyvillein.com