Columbia Short Line awarded $16.2 million for autonomous rail tests

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $16.2 million in federal grants to modernize the Columbia Short Line (COLT) Rail in Missouri. This funding, provided through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, is part of a larger $20.8 million modernization program, with the remaining $4.62 million contributed by the City of Columbia and private-sector partners.

A primary objective of the project is to establish the first documented demonstration of autonomous railcar operations on a regulated short-line railroad in the United States. The testing will occur in phases, beginning with remote-controlled locomotive maneuvers in terminal yards before progressing to full-scale demonstrations on the 21.4-mile segment connecting Columbia and Centralia.

Infrastructure upgrades include installing approximately 36,000 composite ties, replacing three switches, reinforcing nearly six miles of track with heavier rails, and establishing two Level 2 charging stations. The initiative also aims to support workforce development by creating training curricula for remote operators, field engineers, and maintenance technicians.