# FRA Awards $37M for Maine Rail Upgrades

On October 17, 2026, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded more than $37 million through its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program to the Maine Department of Transportation for the Northern Aroostook Rail Gateway Modernization and Safety Project. The project will rehabilitate approximately 90 miles of track and a key bridge in northern Maine, creating potential implementation work in rail construction, track materials, bridge rehabilitation, and safety; the announcement identifies no open solicitation.

- The funding supports track and bridge rehabilitation, including rail, crosstie, and ballast replacement, according to the extracted project details.
- Companies should review Maine DOT procurement notices for implementation opportunities; the grant announcement itself is not a solicitation.
- Maine Northern Railway and Eastern Maine Railway operate subdivisions associated with the project area, making coordination with railroad operations relevant to prospective contractors.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

### Vendors
- Maine Northern Railway (Operator of the Madawaska Subdivision)
- Eastern Maine Railway (Operator of the Van Buren Subdivision)

### Sources
- [Northern Maine to Receive $37M in Federal Funding for Freight Rail Upgrades - The Maine Wire](https://www.themainewire.com/2026/10/northern-maine-to-receive-37m-in-federal-funding-for-freight-rail-upgrades) - The Maine Wire