High economy leads to high rail traffic, and improvements

A $170 million state grant to the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corp. will improve rail conditions and crossings.

The grant, part of over $16 million awarded by the state’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program, will go toward improving rail conditions and crossings. The program offers state investment to support freight transportation and economic development, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

“This grant will allow us to resurface crossings, purchase power if necessary, and improve trackage, which leads to higher speeds” said Melanie Boyer, spokeswoman for the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway.

The railroad said the improvements will begin taking place in late summer.