Update, 10:30 a.m. This story was updated to reflect when the South Street underpass was built.
The city of Galesburg plans to go after a federal grant that could lead to the replacement of the antiquated South Street underpass.
Aldermen on Monday will be asked to approve a resolution of support and commitment of local funds for a Railroad Crossing Elimination Program application to the Federal Railroad Administration for a project planning study at the South Street railroad underpass and Mulberry Street crossing.
The potential changes that will be a part of the planning study include closing the Mulberry Street crossing and replacing the South Street underpass with a new underpass that does not have a height restriction. This would allow for the passage of taller emergency vehicles and larger trucks.
City administration also contends straightening the underpass to be in line with the current South Street alignment and making changes to the intersection with Seminary Street would would improve safety.
Accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists would also be included in the study.
The city is partnering with BNSF to complete the application for the planning project. BNSF has agreed to use their engineering consulting firm, at their cost, to complete and submit the application. The total estimated cost of the Project Planning study is $1,683,988. If awarded, the RCE Program would cover 80% of the cost of the study and the city and BNSF would split the 20% local match. The city’s contribution would be $168,399.
“This is just the first phase of what we hope will be a lengthy process that ends with constructing a new underpass that will remove a dangerous intersection while improving access for all.” — Eric Hanson, Galesburg city manager
City Manager Eric Hanson tells WGIL, “We are excited to work with BNSF to determine if and how best to improve the safety, functionality, and accessibility of the corridor by designing and constructing an underpass that provides unimpeded access for all vehicles, including emergency vehicles as well as pedestrians south of Main Street.
“This is just the first phase of what we hope will be a lengthy process that ends with constructing a new underpass that will remove a dangerous intersection while improving access for all.”
He added, “We’re very excited to work in partnership with BNSF on this project and appreciate their leadership and contribution toward the local matching dollars required in this phase of the grant process.”
Aldermen will consider the resolution at 6 p.m. Monday at Galesburg City Hall.
If selected for the grant, the city’s share of the project would be funded through the Utility Tax Fund.
According to City Engineer Aaron Gavin, the South Street underpass was built in 1912.
The RCE Program provides federal funding opportunities for highway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that enhance rail safety, improve the health and safety of communities, eliminate highway-rail crossings, and reduce the impacts that freight movement and railroad operations may have on underserved communities.
Applicants can apply for three different tracks depending on the lifecycle of the project:
- Track 1 – Project Planning
- Track 2 – Project Development
- Track 3 – Final Design and Construction
The proposed application will apply for Track 1 – Project Planning.
The intent of the project planning phase is to develop the purpose and need of the project, develop alternatives and conceptual designs, seek stakeholder and public involvement, study environmental impacts, develop cost estimates for alternatives, and create a Project Management Plan.
