ONGOING DISCUSSIONS REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF THE JEFFERSON STREET RAILROAD CROSSING

The City of Goshen has been in discussions with Norfolk Southern Railroad and the Federal Railroad Administration about the implementation of a quiet zone along Norfolk Southern’s Marion Branch rail line from CR 40 north to Lincoln Avenue. The first step is to improve the safety at each railroad crossing or to close underutilized crossings. Minimum improvement requirements are to install gates, add a center median barrier, and install flashing lights.

Many residents have expressed concerns about the increased traffic and traffic speeds on Jefferson Street and how motorists are using Jefferson Street as a short cut to avoid the traffic on US 33. The closure of the Jefferson Street crossing would reduce the extra traffic in the neighborhood.

The City applied for and received Federal funding to install the gates and flashing lights at the Jefferson Street Railroad Crossing. The total cost of the project is approximately $370,000. Federal funds will cover 90% and local funds will cover 10% of the project cost.

Thing to consider regarding the decision to allow the Jefferson Street crossing to remain open or to close:

1. If the decision is made to close the crossing, the closure would not occur until Fall 2018/Spring 2019, and the crossing will remain open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Once US 33 North Connector project is complete, the traffic on Madison Street will be reduced from 12,000+ vehicles per day to 7,000-8,000 vehicles per day.
2. If the decision is made for the cross-ing to remain open to traffic, then new railroad crossing gates and flash-ing lights will be installed in Fall 2016.
3. The Board of Public Works anticipates discussing the Jefferson Street Railroad Crossing on Monday, May 2, and Monday, May 9, at their regularly scheduled meetings at 2pm in the Police & Courts Building at 111 E. Jefferson Street.

City Officials are encouraging residents to provide their questions, comments and concerns by Friday, May 6, 2016, to the Goshen Engineering Department. Comments will be read at the Board of Public Works Meeting on Monday, May 9.

Goshen Engineering Department
Ph: 574-534-2201
Email: engineering@goshencity.com