The city of Champaign, Illinois, is on a mission to address safety concerns at one of its main railroad crossings, known for its tragic past. The city is determined to prevent further incidents and improve safety.
The crossing is near North Oak Street and Bradley Avenue.
City officials are exploring how to best reduce the risks associated with this intersection. Options such as constructing a bridge or an underpass are being considered, though a final decision has not yet been made.
Champaign applied for a grant from the Department of Transportation worth $240,000. They would also free up another $60,000 from their office.
A grant is being sought to bring in a railroad consultant. According to the city’s associate planner, this specific crossing has witnessed the deaths of three individuals over the last few years.
“This is, you know, step one. Like, ‘What do we want to do here?’ This is when we figure out what our options are and we come to a consensus with nearby residents and people who use this road on what’s our preferred alternative — what would an improved Bradley Avenue crossing look like?” Associate planner Daniel Saphiere said.
He said if the grant is approved they’ll be able to move on to the next steps. But right now he wants the community to understand that no construction is currently happening. During Tuesday night’s city council meeting they’ll determine if they’ll go through with the project or not.
