HARRISBURG, PA — Rail freight in Pennsylvania is on the brink of transformation, with $55 million approved to fund 30 vital improvement projects. These initiatives promise to boost economic development, enhance freight mobility, and create or sustain 344 jobs across the state. Among the standout ventures, East Penn Railroad, LLC’s $455,000 project to rehabilitate eight bridges is poised to deliver significant benefits to Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties.

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Freight Backbone

With 65 operating railroads spanning approximately 5,600 miles, Pennsylvania’s freight system is unmatched in its scale and importance. It is the backbone of the state’s economy, connecting local industries to national and global markets. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in collaboration with private rail operators and local businesses, has prioritized modernization through programs like the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).

“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments will create opportunities for generations of Pennsylvanians to come and will provide key mobility across the Commonwealth.”

Spotlight on East Penn Railroad

The East Penn Railroad project exemplifies the power of targeted infrastructure investment. The company will rehabilitate eight bridges across the Octoraro, Perkiomen, Lancaster Northern, and York branch lines—critical routes for businesses and industries in Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties. These bridges are essential for the safe and efficient transportation of goods, and their rehabilitation will ensure that local businesses have the reliable infrastructure they need to thrive.

The funding will address aging infrastructure that has long hampered performance and safety. Once complete, these improvements will facilitate smoother operations, reduced delays, and greater capacity for freight transport. For local communities, this means more robust economic growth driven by increased business activity and better connections to other markets.

Building a Better Freight Future

East Penn’s effort is just one of 30 projects approved for funding, each addressing specific challenges within Pennsylvania’s rail network.

Some of the other key projects include:

• CSX Transportation, Inc. ($13.1M) to rehabilitate the 25th Street Viaduct in Philadelphia, a crucial freight artery.
• Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway ($5.8M) to improve six bridges across Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.
• NorthPoint Development, LLC ($3.8M) for Kinder Morgan terminal rail yard expansion in Bucks County, adding over 13,000 feet of new track to boost industrial capacity.

Each of these initiatives will address bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in freight innovation.

Why It Matters

Improving freight infrastructure isn’t just a convenience—it’s an economic imperative. For businesses, reliable rail transport lowers costs, increases efficiency, and enhances competitiveness in global markets. For workers, these projects create good-paying jobs during construction and unlock new opportunities for long-term employment in logistics and adjacent industries.

East Penn Railroad’s project, in particular, underscores how smart infrastructure investment can ripple outward. By ensuring that critical bridges are safe and reliable, the company will help make Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York Counties more competitive while bolstering the local economy.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, these rail freight improvements also align with environmental goals. Rail transport is significantly more fuel-efficient than road freight, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By expanding and modernizing Pennsylvania’s rail system, these projects signal a commitment to sustainable growth.

A Commitment to Progress

The Shapiro Administration and the General Assembly have demonstrated a shared commitment to infrastructure as a foundation for progress. Pennsylvania’s rail freight industry isn’t just about moving goods; it’s about creating a future where communities and businesses can flourish.

Pennsylvania’s bold leap forward on rail freight projects marks a turning point for the state. With East Penn Railroad paving the way, the Commonwealth is creating a more connected, competitive, and sustainable future for all.

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