ANNOUNCEMENTS

• 📢 GCRD is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather information from qualified firms and consultants interested in providing Rail Strategist consulting services related to the proposed activities, coordination efforts, and potential merger discussions involving Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway. The RFI is intended to identify firms with expertise in freight rail operations, stakeholder engagement, regulatory coordination, and strategic transportation planning that can assist GCRD in evaluating regional impacts and coordinating stakeholder input associated with the merger process.  Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF format to Katherine.Parker@gcrd.net by ⏰ 5:00 PM on Monday, August 17.

• The Gulf Coast Rail District, in partnership with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), has created the Gulf Coast Rail District Safety Action Plan (SAP). The plan identifies initiatives aimed at decreasing roadway fatalities and serious injuries by following the principles of the Safe System Approach. This approach focuses on preventing crashes and minimizing harm when they inevitably occur.

• Award announcement!!! 📣 March 2, 2026, the Texas Transportation Commission announced $160.4 million in grants for five projects, with $40 million specifically allocated to the Griggs-Long-Mykawa project in Harris County.  The improvement is expected to enhance public safety, reduce collision risks, and better connect major corridors in southeast Houston.  This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between THE HART and its transportation partners.

• The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H‑GAC), in partnership with the Gulf Coast Rail District (GCRD), has completed a study evaluating feasible transit alternatives for the US 90A corridor. The study examined the technological and economic viability of potential options including light rail transit and bus rapid transit to improve mobility and support future regional growth. Its purpose was to identify reasonable alternatives that can advance into more detailed analysis and ultimately toward implementation. Thank you to all partners and contributors who supported this effort.

• The West Belt Improvement Project (Phase 1) has been awarded $36.9 million through the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program administered by the Federal Railroad Administration. The City of Houston is the sponsor, however, the history of this project began with the Gulf Coast Rail District before 2012.  Our collaborative efforts through THE HART committee helped to make this application a success.  Thank you to all who have contributed to this project over the years!

• 🚧 Why the West Belt Railroad Grade Separation Project Matters?  This project will enhance safety, mobility, and quality of life across East Downtown and the Greater East End. The project will construct three grade-separated crossings and close several at-grade crossings, reducing the risk of train-vehicle collisions. By removing key bottlenecks, it will improve traffic flow for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The project will also lower noise and air pollution by reducing train horn use and vehicle idling. Finally, upgrades to this major 9-mile freight corridor will strengthen regional connectivity and benefit the broader Houston transportation network.