New Jersey rail safety campaign receives federal funding through Operation Lifesaver grants
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey Operation Lifesaver will receive federal funding as part of a nationwide rail safety awareness initiative aimed at reducing railroad crossing incidents and trespassing injuries, officials announced.
Operation Lifesaver Inc., in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, awarded nearly $200,000 in competitive grants to Operation Lifesaver programs in 10 states, including New Jersey.
The grants will support public education campaigns focused on railroad crossing safety and trespass prevention, many tied to the national See Tracks? Think Train! Week scheduled for Sept. 21-27.
In New Jersey, the funding will support a targeted billboard and public outreach campaign planned for September 2026 in partnership with NJ Transit.
According to officials, the campaign will use high-visibility billboards and in-person safety blitzes at train stations to educate pedestrians, cyclists and motorists about safe behavior around railroad crossings and tracks.
The initiative will also distribute bilingual educational materials aimed at reducing rail-related incidents statewide.
“We’re proud to support our State Programs as they bring these innovative rail safety education projects to life,” said Operation Lifesaver Executive Director Rachel Maleh. “Our State Coordinators are on the front lines, delivering creative, community-based outreach that helps people understand the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains. We’re grateful to the Federal Highway Administration for its continued partnership in advancing this lifesaving work.”
Federal officials said the grants are part of broader transportation safety efforts intended to reduce the approximately 2,000 railroad crossing incidents reported annually nationwide.
“Under Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the U.S. Department of Transportation is prioritizing the safety of American families by modernizing our transportation networks,” said Federal Highway Administration Administrator Sean McMaster. “The FHWA is proud to support these grants, which promote public awareness to stay alert and obey signals. This effort bolsters the Trump Administration’s focus on building overpasses and upgrading technology to drastically reduce the 2,000 annual crossing incidents and protect travelers and workers alike.”
Maleh encouraged residents to learn more about railroad safety and participate in public education programs.
“We encourage everyone to connect with OLI on social media, request a free rail safety education presentation and explore resources at oli.org. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies and save lives.”
Officials said grant recipients were selected through a competitive process based on factors including railroad collision history, identified safety needs and the ability to leverage federal funding through partnerships.
