November 6, 2026 4;00 p.m. 

On Friday, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners announced that the Public Works Department has been awarded up to $1,763,336 in federal funding for the Wilbur Old Highway 99 Railroad Overcrossing Project.

A county release said 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. Funding came through the Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.

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.

Commission Board Chair Tom Kress said, “This is exciting news for Douglas County and the Wilbur community.” Commissioner Kress said, “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 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 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.  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.