1.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Company (doing business as Crandic Railway) a $23.8 million Project Grant under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program (CFDA 20.325) on June 1, 2025. The award funds final design and construction activities for replacing existing railroad ties along 56 miles of main line track, scheduled for completion by March 31, 2027. Upon completion, the tie replacement will enable the railroad to transport heavier loads and upgrade the track classification from Class 1 to Class 2, enhancing operational capacity and safety.

The project benefits extend beyond the recipient railroad to interconnecting railroads and the communities served by the existing rail line in Iowa. This infrastructure improvement project exemplifies the CRISI program's mandate to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight rail systems. The tie replacement represents a critical infrastructure modernization initiative that will improve the railway's structural integrity and operational performance for its 17 customers and the broader eastern Iowa transportation corridor.

Purpose

The purpose of the award is to fund final design and construction for a tie replacement along 56 miles of main line track. 2.

Activities

Replacing existing ties with new ties. 3.deliverables expected outcomes: the recipient will replace the existing ties which will allow the recipient to transport heavier loads and will improve the track class from 1 to 2. 4.intended beneficiary: includes the recipient railroad, other railroads that interconnect with recipient railroad, and communities that are served by the existing line.