11-06-26 Douglas County Awarded $1.76 Million Federal Grant For Wilbur Old Highway 99 Railroad Overcrossing Project (Photo) - 11/06/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2026

Douglas County Awarded $1.76 Million Federal Grant for Wilbur Old Highway 99 Railroad Overcrossing Project

Federal Railroad Administration award will fund feasibility study and preliminary engineering for a future grade-separated railroad crossing

            (Douglas County, Ore) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Douglas County Public Works Department has been awarded up to $1,763,336 in federal funding through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–2026 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program for the Wilbur Old Highway 99 Railroad Overcrossing Project. 

            "This is exciting news for Douglas County and the Wilbur community," stated Douglas County Commissioner and Board Chair, Tom Kress. "Securing this federal funding allows us to take an important step toward addressing the challenges associated with this railroad crossing. Completing the feasibility study and preliminary engineering will help establish the groundwork necessary to pursue additional grant opportunities for future construction."

            The federal grant will fund a feasibility study and preliminary engineering necessary to evaluate and advance plans for a grade-separated crossing at the intersection of Old Highway 99 and the Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad near Wilbur, Oregon. A grade-separated crossing would separate highway and railroad traffic, eliminating the need for vehicles to cross the railroad tracks at the same level.  The planning and engineering work funded through this award will help identify potential design solutions, evaluate project requirements, and establish the technical groundwork needed to advance the project toward construction.  The project is intended to address transportation safety, improve emergency access, and enhance the movement and operational efficiency of freight and rail traffic through the area. 

            The project was selected under the RCE Program's Project Planning and Project Development category, which supports activities necessary to advance railroad crossing improvements. According to the FRA's project selection documentation, the proposed project aligns program criteria by enhancing rail safety and improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.  The federal award represents a significant investment toward advancing the project through the planning and engineering stages.  To read more about the FRA’s Crossing Safety Program and grant awards visit https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/fy25-26-rce-selections-project-summaries. 

            "We are grateful for this investment and appreciate the support of our federal partners and Oregon's congressional delegation, in helping advance transportation infrastructure projects that benefit our communities," commented Commissioner Kress

            The total estimated project cost is $2,204,171, with approximately 80% funded through the federal RCE grant and the remaining 20% provided by Douglas County as the local non-federal match.  Douglas County Public Works looks forward to moving this project forward and continuing its efforts to identify funding opportunities to make a future Wilbur Old Highway 99 Railroad Overcrossing a reality.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Cell (541) 670-2804 | Office (541) 957-4896 office | Email [email protected]