Preliminary design and engineering for the elimination of the Roaring Brook Grade Crossing in New Castle that’s used to get across Metro-North tracks will move forward through $2.7 million in federal funding. The grade crossing is where an accident in 2015 resulted in six deaths. The federal funding also will be used to pay for a railroad crossing project in Port Jervis.
The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rail Crossing Elimination Grant Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law passed during the Biden Administration.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer in announcing the funding said, “It is time to get much needed safety upgrades for dangerous rail crossing across the Hudson Valley back on the right track. Three years ago, I stood in Garrison alongside local leaders, first responders, railroad officials, and families who were affected by these tragic rail crossing collisions and promised to deliver federal investment in making crossings across the Hudson Valley safer.”
Schumer said that hundreds of car accidents have taken place at Metro-North crossings throughout the Hudson Valley. Schumer’s office said MTA officials deem nine crossings in Westchester and Putnam as being dangerous, with some having unusually high likelihoods of accidents.
In a five year period, there had been more than 180 vehicle accidents and 27 signal malfunctions at the Roaring Brook Crossing. Approximately 100 trains a day use the tracks that run past that location.
“The Roaring Brook Grade Crossing Elimination Project is a game-changer for Westchester County, particularly for the residents and commuters of New Castle,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “For years, the crossing near the Saw Mill River Parkway has posed significant safety hazards, created frustrating delays, and limited access for emergency responders. With this funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation, we can move forward with critical engineering and environmental planning to make this project a reality.”
State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, who represents the area said, “Traffic at the intersection of Roaring Brook Road and the Saw Mill River Parkway has increased substantially over the last several years. Indeed, since the horrible accident in Valhalla in 2015, the focus has rightly been on the phased elimination of grade crossings and the significant risks they pose. The funding of this project is great news for commuters, the Town of New Castle, and anyone who frequents the intersection.”
The City of Port Jervis Railroad Crossing Elimination project will deal with an existing at-grade crossing in Port Jervis. The city will develop plans for improvements such as an active pedestrian gate, ADA accessible ramps, and signage.
“This grant funding will allow us to continue to study ways to develop a safe means of travel across the railway which is located in our downtown corridor,” said Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese. “We also believe that this is a way for the city to further unlock its downtown business potential while keeping our residents and visitors safe.”
