Recycling Rail Equipment

At MoDOT, we recycle everything from rubber tires, asphalt shingles and signs to entire roads and bridges. Now the Railroad Section has found a way to join in the eco-friendly efforts by reusing railroad safety equipment on a road construction project in Grandview.

Cantilevers that once extended over Route 150 to warn of train traffic on the Kansas City Southern branch line near Route 71 became obsolete when the state route was widened beyond the capacity of the train warning device. Instead of disposing the cantilevers, MoDOT and the city of Grandview found a way to reuse them. Now motorists and pedestrians have a safer highway-rail crossing at 139th Street between Grandboro Lane and 10th Terrace. The city has also posted new "LOOK" signs next to the sidewalk to provide additional warnings to look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks.

The House that Cans Built

When you recycle, you really can make a difference.

Aluminum cans recycled from Amtrak Missouri River Runner trains will now be donated to the River City Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson City, Mo., to help build a house for a deserving family.

Starting this week, aluminum cans collected from the twice-daily St. Louis-Kansas City service will be dropped off daily at the capital city Amtrak station. The River City Habitat for Humanity's Aluminum Can Recycling Committee will use the proceeds from the cans on a home currently under construction at 815 Montana in Jefferson City. The project is known as the "house that cans built" because it's primarily funded by the group's recycling committee and programs such as this one by Amtrak passengers.

"Amtrak is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation and we are striving to make it even greener in Missouri," said MoDOT Rail Administrator Rod Massman. "By implementing a recycling program, we will reduce waste and help protect the environment. At the same time, we will help a family realize the American dream of owning a home."

Eco-savvy Amtrak riders can now recycle aluminum cans across the national network of Amtrak trains. Amtrak is committed to making recycling an integral part of train travel and strives to protect the environment and conserve its resources by reusing material, recycling waste and preventing pollution.