The Maryland Department of Transportation, in partnership with Town of Walkersville and the Walkersville Southern Railroad, recently completed new railroad and pedestrian safety improvements surrounding the historic Walkersville Southern Railroad in Frederick County.
[Above photo by David Trozzo for the Maryland DOT]
All three contributed funding to the $1 million project that improved a highway-rail grade crossing while enhancing pedestrian access between the train station and museum. Meanwhile, funding from the Town of Walkersville contributed to the creation of a small new park with benches.
The project also included construction of a new pedestrian crosswalk, more accessible sidewalks, a new rail crossing surface, and upgraded rail crossing flashing light signals.
[Editor’s note: Maryland DOT recently began work on similar pedestrian safety improvements as part of a $6.8 million infrastructure enhancement project along MD 173 in Anne Arundel County, which should be completed in the fall of 2026.]
“We are proud to work with our partners to create safer roadways for everyone to use, including drivers at railroad crossings and families with small children taking a fun train ride,” said Samantha Biddle, acting Maryland DOT secretary, in a statement.
“These safety improvements will build on the community’s strengths and help make the area an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit,” she added
The Walkersville Southern Railroad is located alongside track that was a branch line for the historic Pennsylvania Railroad and operates several historic and family-friendly train rides.
“This project represents what’s possible when state support and community passion come together,” noted Wayne Kirchhof, president of Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum. “It’s about protecting our guests, honoring the history of this place, and making sure everyone can safely experience the magic of the rails.”
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