The City of Centralia will hold a public hearing at noon on Friday to gain public input on seeking a federal grant to complete engineering work on proposed railroad overpasses on South Elm and South Poplar Streets.
The city earlier completed a feasibility study on the proposed project. If money is secured for the engineering study, construction would be the next step. The construction of the two overpasses is currently placed at around $34 million.
The two overpasses would eliminate the two grade railroad crossings, pavement, curb and gutter, excavation, traffic signals, street lighting and drainage. The construction would eliminate lengthy backups when trains are across the tracks, including emergency vehicles which are blocked from reaching the south side of town.
The city will be asking for a federal engineering grant of $1,120,960 with a local match of $280,240. The grant application will be submitted by September 23rd.
Interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing to learn more about the project and grant submittal. It will be held at Centralia City Hall at noon Friday.
