Interstate rail line grant will help revamp one of Delmarva’s most important railways

HARRINGTON, Del. – The Delmarva Central Railroad will soon be getting a face lift thanks to more than $18 million in grant money. The rail road stretches from Delaware to Virginia. State leaders say it provides a pathway for many of the goods Delmarva relies on. That includes oil to heat homes and chicken houses, grain, and other commodities.

The grant was awarded back in February. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement had to be pushed to Friday, August 28th. Delaware Senator Chris Coons says investing in Delmarva’s railway system not only reduces road traffic. It also helps to improve efficiency, which helps the economy. “Every train load that’s moving gravel or is moving feed replaces eight trucks on our road. It is safer, it takes less fuel, it moves more efficiently – and frankly – in the end it helps farmers manufacturers and residents,” said Sen. Coons.

The grant will help to repair three bridges and more than 120 miles of tracks. State leaders say that without the railroad – Delmarva would look and operate a lot differently than it does today.