Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive $496,750 to enhance the safety of public and private highway-grade crossings along federally designated high-speed rail corridors. The funds can be used for a number of hazard elimination activities including: crossing closure; crossing consolidation or grade separation; installation or upgrade of automated warning devices to include bells, flashing lights and/or gates; improvements to track circuitry, crossing surface upgrades, crossing sight distances or illumination; installation of advanced train control or traffic control systems; and other related project development and engineering activities. “This money will improve the safety of South Carolina’s railroad crossings and help save lives,” said Graham. “In addition, the upgrades provided by this grant will act as a stimulus for bringing high-speed rail to South Carolina. This is a great investment toward future economic development.” The grant has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. ####