Harrisburg Wins Largest Grant in City History

A federal grant of up to $3,583,594 will fund railroad crossing improvements along 4th Street.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a single steel rail set in a concrete railbed flanked by curbs and a grade-crossing panel. — The City of Harrisburg received up to $3,583,594 from the Federal Railroad Administration, its largest grant ever, to close three rail crossings on 4th Street. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The City of Harrisburg received up to $3,583,594 from the Federal Railroad Administration, the largest grant in its history. The funding will support the 4th Street Corridor Railroad Grade Crossing Improvements Project, which closes three at-grade rail crossings.

Why it matters

The project physically separates rail tracks from other road users to enhance rail safety in Harrisburg. Improvements are also expected to strengthen crossing safety, mobility and emergency vehicle access for residents.

The City of Harrisburg received up to $3,583,594 in federal funding, with the city covering a 50 percent non-federal cost share that includes BNSF contributions. The project is currently in the 90% design phase, and construction timing has not been announced.

The players

Federal Railroad Administration

The federal agency that awarded the grant to the City of Harrisburg for the 4th Street rail crossing project.

BNSF

The railroad company that currently leases the rail line to Portland & Western Railroad and contributes to the project's non-federal cost share.

The details

The grant funds rebuilding 4th Street from LaSalle Street north to Smith Street, including a separated railbed with drive lanes on either side of the rails. The city will add sidewalks, ADA crossings, curbs, gutters and new signage on the west side, and sidewalks, curbs, gutters and signage on the east side from Smith Street to Kesling Street, along with improved drainage.

Grant award reported on November 5, 2026.

Philanthropy Context

Federal grade crossing funding through the Federal Railroad Administration has supported local projects that separate rail infrastructure from road traffic to reduce collision risk. Harrisburg's award represents a federally backed model for pairing rail safety upgrades with roadway, drainage and pedestrian improvements.

Drivers and pedestrians near 4th Street between LaSalle and Kesling streets can expect the corridor to be rebuilt with new sidewalks, ADA crossings and drainage. Three at-grade rail crossings will close as part of the project.

The takeaway

Federal grants can fund both rail safety and roadway upgrades in a single project, giving local residents safer crossings and improved streets. Harrisburg residents can watch for construction updates as the design moves from 90% toward completion.