SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Awarded $2M for Railroad Bridge Rehabilitation

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

LEWISBURG, Pa. - The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) was awarded $2 million from the PennDOT's Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP).

The funds will go toward rehabilitating four railroad bridges on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Nittany Mainline and one bridge on the Bellefonte Branch. According to the release, the budget for the project is estimated to be $2,900,001. The funding from PennDOT’s program covers 70% of the costs. Recently, $404,818 in a multimodal grant was awarded for JRA’s Route 54 Grade Crossing Replacement Project.

“We are thankful for the continued trust and partnership with PennDOT and for the award of this RTAP grant that will enable the upgrade of five railroad bridges critical to the central Pennsylvania businesses that rely on it,” said Scott B. Harvey, JRA Board Chairman. “The mission of the Joint Rail Authority is to further economic development through the improvement and expansion of rail infrastructure in the central Pa region. Penn DOT has been a consistent partner in achieving this mission and we are extremely thankful for this investment.”

“This grant award continues the JRA’s focus on upgrading our infrastructure to ensure our rail system is well maintained, fully operational and resilient against the weather for the businesses we support,” said Steven Beattie, executive director of the JRA. “Construction of the bridge projects will occur over the next two years following design, permitting and the public bid process. The JRA, with our partners, has invested over $15 million in capital improvements across the entire rail system since 2021.”