Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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VT WESTERN RAIL CORRIDOR

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont's rail lines.

 

The $33.4-million investment in rail is a $1.7-million increase (five percent) over FY2016. The budget invests $4.1 million of state and federal funds for track and bridge upgrades on the Western Corridor from Burlington to Rutland, which will allow increased efficiencies, train speeds and track safety.

The state is also focusing on crossing improvements and safety upgrades by investing $4.5 million on 12 crossings on the Western Corridor, which will install new safety equipment and increased train speeds. This budget continues the state’s support for the current Vermonter and the Ethan Allen Amtrak services and also continues to invest in the expansion of the Ethan Allen service to Burlington.

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