The proposed project includes environmental review, engineering design and construction for the purchase and installation of approximately 31,600 ties, 17,000 tons of ballast, 44.5 miles of surfacing,…

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $10.39 million to the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program (CFDA 20.325) on July 1, 2025, for a freight rail infrastructure modernization project. The project encompasses environmental review, engineering design, and construction activities to rehabilitate a 44.5-mile rail corridor between Chamberlain and Presho, South Dakota. Specific deliverables include the installation of approximately 31,600 ties, placement of 17,000 tons of ballast, culvert replacements at mile posts (MPs) 468.15, and bridge work at MPs 454.3, 455, and 455.2, including a new 10 x 12 box culvert. The project also addresses subgrade deficiencies through resurfacing work designed to reduce the risk of future embargoes and improve freight rail system safety, efficiency, and reliability.

The project is scheduled for completion by February 28, 2029, and will directly support South Dakota's freight rail transportation capacity and local economic development. This award represents typical CRISI program investment in regional rail infrastructure improvements, enhancing the viability and safety of the state's freight rail network for sustained commercial operations.

The proposed project includes environmental review, engineering design and construction for the purchase and installation of approximately 31,600 ties, 17,000 tons of ballast, 44.5 miles of surfacing, the replacement of the culvert at MP 468.15, the replacement of a box culvert at MP 468.15 with a 10 x 12 box culvert and bridgework at MP 454.3, MP 455, and MP 455.2. The project scope includes correcting subgrade problems and resurfacing from chamberlain to presho, south dakota to reduce the risk of future embargos. The project will improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability, ensuring sustained capacity for south dakota s freight rail system and supporting local economies.