The Rapid City, Pierre, and Eastern Railroad (RCPE) is nearing completion of a major multi-year public-private partnership to upgrade its main line from Fort Pierre to Rapid City. This project represents a significant advancement for the railroad, enabling a long-awaited increase in train speeds along the corridor, which are projected to range between 25 mph and 40 mph.
Ryan Englebright, the general manager of RCPE, highlighted the project’s beneficial implications for local businesses in West River. He stated that the upgrades will provide safer and more efficient transportation and logistics services, contributing positively to the regional economy. The total investment for this ambitious upgrade stands at $84 million, which includes funding from a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as additional contributions from the State of South Dakota and RCPE itself.
As the improvements reach completion, the railroad is also urging community members to remain alert around railroad tracks and grade crossings. Residents are advised to obey all relevant crossing signs and signals and exercise heightened caution, as trains along the RCPE main line may operate at any hour and approach from different directions.
Significant upgrades throughout the project include the replacement of 88 miles of rail with continuously welded rail, along with the installation of over 80,000 new crossties. These enhancements are designed to substantially improve the infrastructure and safety of the rail line. They not only represent a commitment to modernizing rail transport but also aim to address the increasing logistics demands faced by businesses in the region.
The upgrades to the RCPE are an encouraging sign of progress for rail transportation in the area, promising to boost local commerce and enhance service reliability in the years to come.