Senator César J. Blanco announces $25.7 million for Rick Francis Rail Grade Separation Project

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Senator César J. Blanco announced Tuesday $25.7 million investment to advance the Rick Francis Street rail grade separation project near the Medical Center of the Americas in El Paso County.

The project was made possible in part through Texas’ new Off-System Rail Grade Separation Program, established through Senate Bill 1555, passed during the 89th Legislature. The program provides state funding to help communities address dangerous and congested rail crossings and advance needed infrastructure projects across Texas.

The Rick Francis Street project is said to eliminate the existing at-grade rail crossing, which officials say will improve safety and mobility for drivers, pedestrians, patients, students, and healthcare workers traveling to and from the Medical Center of the Americas and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC).

Senator Blanco released the following statement on the award:

“This is exactly why we worked to establish a state rail grade separation program during the last legislative session. Communities like El Paso need the resources and tools to address dangerous rail crossings and keep critical projects moving forward. The Rick Francis project will make this area safer and improve access to the Medical Center of the Americas, TTUHSC El Paso, and the growing healthcare and research facilities in the area. TxDOT El Paso put forward a strong project, and I’m glad to see that work paying off for our community. I also want to thank Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for helping secure the federal investment needed to move this project forward. This is a great example of what we can accomplish when our local, state, and federal partners work together. I’ll continue working with our partners to make sure El Paso is positioned to compete for investments like these and get critical infrastructure projects across the finish line.”

According to Senator Blanco's office, the $25.7 million project includes approximately $20.6 million in federal funding, alongside state and local resources.