Gov. Rauner opens new Galesburg underpass

GALESBURG — Gov. Bruce Rauner joined Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn and local officials today to mark the opening of the East Main Street underpass, a project that will enhance quality of life and promote commerce.
 
The underpass carries regular vehicle traffic beneath BNSF Railroad tracks, eliminating the delays caused by passing trains and improving safety, traffic flow and emergency response times in Galesburg's central business district.
 
"Separating rail from regular traffic at this critical location will improve safety in Galesburg immediately," Rauner said. "Drivers will no longer have to cross busy train tracks, and police, ambulance and fire personnel don't have to worry about waiting for a passing train. The project also makes this area more attractive to business investors that are looking to grow and expand in this strategic location in Illinois."
 
Construction of the underpass began in October 2016, routing U.S. 150 under the tracks and just north of a BNSF railyard. The total cost was $26.5 million, funded through a combination of federal, state, local and railroad funds.
 
The project is the final piece of a larger plan with the state to reduce the impact of train traffic in Galesburg, one of Illinois' busiest rail hubs. The Donald L. Moffitt Overpass on West Main Street was finished in 2012 and the Bickerdyke Bridge opened in 2014, separating vehicle and train traffic at both locations. Upgrades were made at 13 other crossings, improving safety and helping to establish a quiet zone in which trains no longer needed to sound their horns through town.
 
"These projects have shown how teamwork can lead to solutions for problems that at one time might have seemed unfixable," Blankenhorn said. "We look forward to working with more communities to advance their goals and make life better for residents and businesses."