FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Allen County officials announced today that the Federal Railroad Administration has approved a $27,878,116 grant under its Railroad Crossing Elimination program. The funding will be used to move the Scott Road grade‑separation project from concept to construction, addressing long‑standing safety and congestion concerns at the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing on this major north‑south corridor.
Project scope and timeline
The grant covers project development, final design and eventual construction of the C.R.O.S.S. Scott Road Project. County Highway Director Bill Hartman explained that the money will allow engineers to complete conceptual engineering, a preliminary environmental assessment and right‑of‑way acquisition. The planning phase is slated to finish in December 2026, with design work beginning in late summer 2027. Construction is projected to be completed by the fall of 2032.
Why the crossing matters to families and first responders
Scott Road serves as a key route for commuters, school buses, health‑care workers and emergency responders. County commissioners highlighted that the current at‑grade crossing creates frequent delays, especially during peak travel times, and poses a safety risk for motorists and pedestrians. A grade‑separated crossing – either a bridge over the tracks or an underpass beneath them – would eliminate those delays and provide reliable access for fire and EMS vehicles, ensuring quicker response times for residents throughout the county.
Previous federal support and next steps
Allen County first received a federal grant of up to $400,000 in January 2025 to evaluate improvement options. That study identified three primary alternatives: closing the crossing entirely, building a bridge, or constructing an underpass. With the new grant, the county can now move beyond studies to concrete planning, including utility relocation and detailed engineering designs.
Community impact
As the area continues to grow, traffic volumes on Scott Road have risen sharply. Residents traveling to work, school or medical appointments have voiced frustration over long wait times at the crossing. By eliminating the at‑grade conflict with Norfolk Southern trains, the project is expected to reduce travel times, improve fuel efficiency for commuters and support local businesses that rely on timely deliveries.
Funding source
The Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination program is part of a broader national effort to modernize rail‑road intersections, improve safety and enhance the efficiency of the nation’s freight network. Allen County’s successful application reflects the county’s proactive approach to securing federal resources for critical infrastructure projects.
Looking ahead
County officials will continue to engage the public throughout the planning process, holding informational meetings and soliciting feedback on design alternatives. The next major milestone will be the release of a final environmental assessment, followed by a detailed construction schedule that outlines how the project will be phased to minimize disruption to local traffic.
When completed, the Scott Road grade‑separation will stand as a tangible example of how federal‑state‑local partnerships can deliver infrastructure that safeguards families, supports commerce and upholds the values of responsible stewardship for future generations.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
