Not only does the government foot most — if not all — of the bill for these safety improvements at unprotected crossings, it pays the railroad to do the work.

More than $3.1 million in grants has been awarded for two railroad safety upgrade projects in Maryland, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

A through street under the railroad would bring about 3,200 vehicles per day to Walnut Road and save travelers approximately 1.4 miles in travel, no longer diverting drivers to North Avenue or ...