City receives $2.5M grant for Reed Avenue Corridor

Published on January 14, 2025

The City of Cheyenne has received a $2.56 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration that will eliminate and/or upgrade railroad crossings along Reed Avenue, marking an important step in the overall vision to transform the corridor.

The project will fence off railroad operations along Reed Avenue, increasing safety and paving the way for future improvements. The project will also close crossings at 17th Street, 18th Street, and Dillon Avenue. Other crossings will remain open to traffic and see safety improvements, including better accommodations for pedestrians.

“This grant is the first step in realizing the full potential of Reed Avenue,” Mayor Patrick Collins said. “Our staff continues to work hard to make the concept of a vibrant corridor on Reed a reality.”

The FRA grant will be used for project development, final design, and construction costs and is supported by a 25 percent match from the City. Construction will begin later this year.

The overall Reed Avenue Corridor Project aims to convert the Reed Avenue right of way in Cheyenne’s West Edge into a public space that would provide safe pedestrian and bicycle access, gathering and event spaces, and economic development opportunities, all while celebrating the history of the corridor. The BNSF railroad will continue operations but will be separated from the public space on the corridor.

Design work for the full corridor continues, and the City is working to identify funding sources to complete the project.

To learn more about the Reed Avenue project, visit www.cheyennecity.org/reed.

To see the full list of Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant awardees, visit https://railroads.dot.gov/FY23-24-RCE-Grant-Program-Selections.