The project will evaluate corridor-wide improvements, including potentially closing four at-grade crossings in jonesboro, arkansas

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the City of Jonesboro a $1.5 million Project Grant on April 1, 2025, under the Railroad Crossing Elimination (CFDA 20.327) program to conduct comprehensive planning and evaluation activities for railroad crossing improvements along the BNSF Thayer South Subdivision. The award funds a multi-year project with completion targeted for January 31, 2028, focused on addressing corridor-wide safety and mobility challenges in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Under this grant, the City of Jonesboro will deliver technical planning and engineering services including stakeholder analysis, evaluation of 18 railroad crossings, alternatives analysis, and conceptual engineering. The project will specifically assess the potential closure of four at-grade crossings in Jonesboro and conduct stakeholder outreach activities. Deliverables include a comprehensive Project Planning Package containing technical analysis and project recommendations, positioning the city to pursue subsequent grade separation, crossing closure, or other safety improvement projects that reduce transportation conflicts and improve community connectivity across rail corridors.

The project will conduct a stakeholder analysis, evaluate 18 railroad crossings along the bnsf thayer south subdivision, and conduct an alternatives analysis and conceptual engineering of 18 crossings. The recipient will conduct technical analysis, stakeholder outreach, and other project planning activities, and prepare a project planning package as detailed in the PMP.