Federal Railroad Administration accepts WYDOT grant request to replace bridges on Interstate 80

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is pleased to announce that the Federal Railroad Administration has accepted a multi-million dollar grant request to replace two bridges on Interstate 80 that cross over the Union Pacific Railroad. The structures are located on the eastbound and westbound lanes approximately 11 miles west of Cheyenne.

Constructed in the late 1950s, the crossing structures have undergone multiple rehabilitations throughout the years. After determining that the structures met replacement criteria, WYDOT began the process of applying for federal funding in January 2021.

Funding for this project will come from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement’s Special Transportation Circumstances Program. Money from that program is directed to states that do not have inner-city passenger rail service. The department is grateful to the state’s Congressional delegation for its assistance in making Wyoming eligible for this funding.

Through this grant, WYDOT will receive up to 80 percent of funds from the federal government and will match the remaining amount. The total estimated cost of the project is about $18 million.

“We appreciate FRA’s approval of our project and grant request,” said WYDOT Assistant Chief Engineer of Engineering and Planning Keith Fulton. “This project will help to improve safety for both the railroad and the travelling public. This is something we’ve had an eye on for a number of years, so it’s exciting to move forward with this project.”

Now that the project has been accepted, WYDOT will work to finalize the project agreement, which will include developing a work plan, budget and schedule. The project could take up to five years to complete once the project agreement is done.

WYDOT is looking forward to working with FRA on this project and future railroad/highway safety projects using grant program funds.