SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The 19th Street railroad in Springfield has long posed challenges, from traffic delays to excessive tree growth. Now, the Springfield City Council is conducting a study to determine the best solution.
"Some of the areas need to be fixed when you have some bumps that [cause] safety issues," said Alderman Shawn Gregory.
Gregory is the alderman of Ward Two in Springfield. He said the 19th Street train tracks go into Ward One as well. Council is conducting a feasibility study which will evaluate which solution is most practical. Gregory said that without a redevelopment plan, the railroad will further deteriorate
"Some sections where it's already a problem, and it'll further delay development, in a community that's been long promised it," Gregory said.
Various solutions have been proposed, including an overpass to eliminate traffic or remove the railroad tracks completely. The priority is to hear the concerns of the community.
"Along with my colleagues, make sure that we deliver on the many promises. And, things that we need to do in our communities," Gregory said.
In Springfield, new developments have been proposed for the 19th Street corridor. According to a previous study, nine trains are expected to utilize the railroad in 2030. Currently, only two trains are using the train tracks. The feasibility study is projected to be completed this summer, and there will be a community meeting during the study.
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