The project will remove an existing at-grade crossing and replace IT with a grade separated crossing over the CSX

The Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration awarded the City of Gautier $1.5 million on October 1, 2025, under the Railroad Crossing Elimination program (CFDA 20.327) to complete preliminary engineering and National Environmental Policy Act review for grade separation of an at-grade CSX railroad crossing in Gautier, Mississippi. The existing crossing bisects the city along a CSX east-west mainline, where frequent train blockages cause congestion and delays for motorists, law enforcement, and emergency responders. The project will remove the at-grade crossing and replace it with grade-separated infrastructure. Performance occurs in Gautier, Mississippi, with a completion date of January 31, 2028. The Railroad Crossing Elimination program supports highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects including grade separation, track relocation, protective devices and signals, and related planning and design activities. Eligible recipients include states, political subdivisions, federally recognized Indian tribes, units of local government, public port authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations. Assistance type is Project Grant.

CSX currently operates along an east-west mainline that roughly bisects the city of gautier. Due to frequent blockages caused by passing and stationary trains along the tracks, motorists, including law enforcement and emergency responders, often experience congestion and delays at the crossings. The project will complete PE and nepa for the grade separation.