HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Wednesday it will invest nearly $53 million in 30 rail freight improvement projects across Pennsylvania through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program.

According to PennDOT, the projects are intended to improve freight mobility, support economic activity, and create or sustain an estimated 450 jobs statewide. The funding includes a mix of track rehabilitation, bridge repairs, grade crossing upgrades, new sidings, and rail facility improvements.

PennDOT said the latest round of awards builds on more than $150 million invested in Pennsylvania’s rail freight network since 2023. The Commonwealth has 65 operating railroads and approximately 5,600 miles of freight rail lines, the most of any state, according to the department.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said the projects are focused on maintaining and expanding rail access for businesses and communities throughout the state.

“These investments to expand and improve the network support freight movement and employment across Pennsylvania,” Carroll said.

Projects receiving funding are located in more than 30 counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Berks, Blair, Centre, Bradford, Wyoming, Cameron, Cambria, Clinton, Columbia, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Philadelphia, Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland, and York counties.

Several projects span multiple counties, including improvements to more than 200 miles of track operated by Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad across Armstrong, Butler, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, Lawrence, and McKean counties, and bridge and track rehabilitation projects affecting Blair, Centre, Cambria, and Clearfield counties.

PennDOT said funding recipients include private rail operators, redevelopment authorities, manufacturers, logistics companies, and port facilities. The department stated that it works in partnership with rail-served businesses and private operators to support construction, rehabilitation, and long-term maintenance of freight rail infrastructure.

A full list of funded projects and award amounts is available through PennDOT.