Improve the state of good repair and enhance safety along the finger lakes railway corp. (fglk) rail corridor in new york s finger lakes region

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded Finger Lakes Railway Corp. a $4.84 million Project Grant on May 1, 2025, under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program (CFDA 20.325) to enhance the state of good repair and safety along the Finger Lakes Railway corridor in New York's Finger Lakes region. The scope of work includes replacing approximately 17,800 mainline and switch ties at eight turnouts, reinstalling existing rail anchors, distributing 500 tons of ballast per mile, and tamping and surfacing track to meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Class 1 standards. Additionally, the project encompasses renewal of 19 private grade crossings to FRA Class 2 conditions and replacement of open timber decks at two under-grade bridges with CUNAP-treated bridge ties.

The project is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028, and represents a comprehensive track rehabilitation initiative focused on improving infrastructure reliability and safety compliance along the short-line railroad corridor. The CRISI program, which funds projects designed to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail systems, prioritizes projects with balanced federal and non-federal cost sharing and demonstrated broad stakeholder participation.

Activities to be performed include replacing approximately 17,800 mainline cross ties and switch ties at eight turnouts, reinstalling existing rail anchors, distributing 500 tons of ballast per mile, and tamping and surfacing the track to meet FRA class 1 standards. Additionally, 19 private grade crossings will be renewed to ensure FRA class 2 conditions, and open timber decks at two under grade bridges will be replaced with cunap treated bridge ties.