This project will support project development including environmental documentation, engineering up to 60%, and permitting to improve track, sidings, railyard, bridges, tunnels, structures, crossings,…

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay a $49.6 million Project Grant under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program (CFDA 20.325) on June 1, 2025, with a completion deadline of March 31, 2028. The grant supports comprehensive project development and engineering services for a critical 111-mile rail corridor connecting Eugene to Coos Bay. Deliverables include environmental documentation, engineering design services (up to 60% completion), and permitting activities necessary to upgrade track infrastructure, sidings, rail yards, bridges, tunnels, structures, grade crossings, signaling systems, communication equipment, and maintenance facilities along the corridor.

The project addresses urgent safety and operational deficiencies in infrastructure that is over 100 years old and has experienced significant deterioration, including 10 bridge failures and 6 culvert failures within the past two years, as well as weekly rail breaks and a 2023 derailment. The port will coordinate project development with multiple stakeholders including the State of Oregon, Union Pacific Railroad, and affected localities to procure all necessary local, state, and federal permits. Upon completion of preliminary development activities, the infrastructure upgrades will support installation of 286-compliant rail to enable increased train speeds, enhanced safety, and expanded freight capacity to accommodate the port's projected growth in operational volume and tonnage.

This project will support project development including environmental documentation, engineering up to 60%, and permitting to improve track, sidings, railyard, bridges, tunnels, structures, crossings, signaling, communication, and maintenance facilities along 111 miles of the track. The rail is over 100 years old and has several safety concerns. Prior to the port acquiring IT, had little maintenance and repair, causing operational challenges and safety concerns. In the past 2 years, 10 of the 121 bridges and 6 of the 150 culverts have failed. Along the track, rail varies in age and size and is experiencing breaks on a weekly basis. A 2023 derailment was likely related to the rail condition. Upgrades to all facets of the rail line infrastructure and operations are necessary to allow for taller, longer, heavier, and more frequent trains projected from the ports increased capacity. Installation of 286-compliant rail will enable increased speeds and enhanced safety along the corridor, thereby increasing freight capacity. The port must coordinate project development with multiple stakeholders including the state, uprr, and several localities. The port plans to identify and procure all necessary local, state, and federal permits as part of the project.