FRA project planning
Planning guidance for framing a need and comparing options, costs, benefits, and impacts.
Open FRA planning ↗THE RESOURCE DESK
Know where to go next.
Official railroad planning, funding, association, inspection, and training resources for small teams. Links to FRA, ASLRRA, AAR, and SLSI.
This independent directory links to existing industry support. Listing an organization does not imply membership, partnership, sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation.
Capital project development
FRA guidance for developing and delivering railroad capital projects that may receive FRA funding.
Read the project guidance ↗CRISI program
An official starting point for rail infrastructure and safety funding. Check the current notice for eligibility, deadlines, match, and application requirements.
View the current program ↗ASLRRA
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association represents short line and regional railroad owners and operators and provides industry resources.
Explore ASLRRA ↗Association of American Railroads
AAR provides freight rail industry information and policy resources. Use its official site to understand its membership and role.
Explore AAR ↗Short Line Safety Institute
Safety culture assessments, education, and training resources. Visit the provider for current programs, availability, and participation details.
Explore SLSI ↗FRA track resources
Official track safety information and links. Applicable rules and personnel qualifications must be addressed by the responsible railroad.
View FRA track resources ↗49 CFR Part 213
The Track Safety Standards, including applicability, geometry, track structure, and inspection provisions. A planning guide does not determine which requirements apply.
Read the current regulation ↗Automated Track Inspection Program
FRA’s program illustrates how track condition data can support inspection and maintenance planning.
Learn about ATIP ↗FRA capital cost guidance
A reference for consistent capital estimating. It does not supply current contractor pricing for your project.
View estimating guidance ↗Make a funding conversation concrete.
Bring a defined need, project limits, scope, cost basis, schedule dependencies, ownership information, and a clear distinction between committed and prospective funds. The capital planning guide helps organize those inputs.
A link to a grant program does not establish eligibility or an open application window. Use the current official notice and project-specific advice before relying on a funding assumption. Do not count an unawarded grant as committed funding in the worksheet.