The project study area is located in olathe, kansas in johnson county

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the City of Olathe Public Works a $2.25 million Project Grant on June 1, 2025, under the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program (CFDA 20.327) to improve railroad crossing safety along a 2.5-mile corridor in Olathe, Kansas. The project will examine and enhance crossings along the BNSF Emporia Subdivision from Woodland Road (north) to Dennis Street (south), encompassing eight at-grade crossings and one existing grade separation. The grant supports comprehensive infrastructure improvements designed to enhance transportation safety, improve mobility for people and goods, and reduce conflicts between highway and rail operations in Johnson County.

Under this award, extending through January 31, 2029, the City of Olathe will deliver planning, environmental review, design, and infrastructure improvements at the identified grade crossing locations. These activities align with the RCE Program's eligible project categories, which may include grade separation, closure, protective device installation, signal improvements, and safety enhancements. The project represents a significant federal investment in addressing highway-rail safety challenges and community connectivity within the City of Olathe's municipal infrastructure framework.

The project will examine a 2.5-mile corridor from woodland road (north) to dennis street (south) and includes eight at-grade crossings and one existing grade separation (rail over the roadway). The project area follows the bnsf emporia subdivision through the middle of the city, from railroad milepost (MP) 26.830 to MP 24.338.