Federal Register #2026-19031

DOT offers $25M in competitive grants for county bridge replacement and issues rail safety advisory

This opportunity from the Department of Transportation focuses on improving infrastructure and safety for county-owned bridges and rail crossings: - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - Offices: Office of Competitive Grants and Workforce Programs; Office of Railroad Safety - Products/Services Requested: - Up to $25 million in competitive grants for replacement or rehabilitation of Type 3 county-owned bridges crossing USBR water conveyance structures - Approximately 50 county governments expected to apply - Safety advisory implementation and compliance activities for railroads, including: - Job briefings for operating employees - Review and update of operating rules - Operational testing - Crossing hazard evaluations - Employee training for shoving or pushing movements across highway-rail grade crossings with limited warning devices - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Grants target bridges over USBR water conveyance structures - Safety advisory addresses recent fatal and severe injury accidents at rail crossings - Emphasis on enhanced procedures, training, and compliance with federal regulations - No procurement of physical products; focus is on grant funding and safety compliance

Description

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued Safety Advisory 2025-02 to address accidents involving crew members making "track is clear" determinations before shoving or pushing movements across highway-rail grade crossings equipped only with flashing lights or passive warning devices. Since the original advisory, two additional accidents occurred resulting in one fatality and one severe injury. The FRA reinforces existing recommendations and adds two new ones: conducting in-person briefings with all operating employees involved in such movements and reviewing internal instruction, training, and examination programs. The advisory emphasizes the importance of proper procedures and enhanced training to prevent accidents during these operations.

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