NEWS RELEASE
CONGRESSMAN BOB ETHERIDGE
NORTH CAROLINA

              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  Contact: Sara Lang
              DATE: January 23, 2004                                                                            Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Secures $800,000 for Clayton Transportation Project

RALEIGH - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that he has secured $800,000 in federal funds for a pedestrian crossing safety pilot project in Clayton. The project is part of the N.C. Department of Transportation's "Sealed Corridor" initiative, which applies innovative, low cost techniques to significantly reduce or accidents at railroad crossings.

"This is great news for Clayton!" Etheridge said. "These federal funds will improve the safety of Clayton's railroad crossings and allow more residents safe access to the heart of town. These improvements are the next step in building the rail system of North Carolina and Clayton. Building and improving our transportation infrastructure will be a boon to business and enhance traffic safety."

The project includes the design and construction of a "user-friendly" model pedestrian grade separation of the N.C. Rail Corridor, which is an Amtrak passenger route connector to the Southeast High Speed Corridor and future commuter rail route. This separation will provide walking access between downtown Clayton, the Town Hall and a neighborhood. It will also ease the effects of the closure of three at-grade highway rail crossings as part of transportation improvements.

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