June 15, 2023 – The Federal Railroad Administration has announced $7.8 million in grant funding awarded to the City of Davenport through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program for the design and construction of an overpass and elevated roadway on South Concord Street near West River Drive. The program provides funding for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.
Installation of the bridge will reduce the risk of collisions with trains and improve overall access to the area by eliminating blocked crossings. The bridge will also include a separated path to accommodate pedestrians and other non-motorists. The adjacent roadway raise will further support and ensure permanent access to the critical infrastructure during times of flood. The final component of the project will eliminate the rail crossing at Wapello Avenue once construction of the overpass is complete.
“This grant provides a significant investment to improve access to critical city facilities, ensures continuous emergency access to the area, and improves the overall transportation network,” said Davenport’s Public Works Director, Nicole Gleason. “The City appreciates the support from Canadian Pacific, state, and federal agencies making this grant application successful.
The total project is estimated at $9.7 million. The remaining costs will be met through Canadian Pacific Railway Company’s community investment of up to $2 million in grant match funding.