High-speed rail plan calls for nine overpassesTHE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTERPosted Sep 02, 2009 @ 10:33 AMLast update Sep 03, 2009 @ 10:30 AM

The Union Pacific Railroad is suggesting the city of Springfield close five rail crossings and build nine overpasses and one underpassalong a 4.4-mile stretch that cuts through the heart of downtown.

During a meeting with The State Journal-Register editorial board Wednesday, Mayor Tim Davlin summed up how the proposalwould transform Springfield: “The whole city would look like crap.”

Local officials are battling plans to route high-speed trains and additional freight trains along the Third Street rail corridor. Thegroup has urged that the trains be diverted instead to the 10th Street corridor.

Under the Union Pacific’s proposal to accommodate the additional rail traffic, overpasses would be built over tracks at Fifth Street,Union Street, Carpenter Street, Madison Street, Jefferson Street, Cook Street, Lawrence Avenue, South Grand Avenue and Ash Street,according to a recently released report by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission. An underpass issuggested at Fourth Street.

City officials estimate each overpass and underpass could cost at least $15 million. Each overpass would require 800 feet of ramp oneach side of the rail line center, or 1,600 feet in total length, end-to-end.

Federal stimulus money would help cover most costs, they said.

Access problems

However, the overpasses could block access to dozens of homes and businesses -- and even the historic Dana-Thomas House atFourth Street and Lawrence Avenue, which no longer would be visible from the south, according to the report. Some propertieswould lose all access and probably would have to be purchased by the city, according to the report.

Artist renderings showing concrete barriers sitting in front of historic homes, structures and businesses in Springfield are beingdistributed by the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association.

Railroad spokesman Mark Davis said the proposals were intended to “stimulate discussion with the city regarding any mitigation thatwould take place on the Third Street corridor.”

Overpasses are suggested at both Jefferson and Madison streets, two streets close enough to each other that the overpasses wouldcreate “significant access problems,” according to the report. Those overpasses would close off access to six or seven commercialproperties, the report said.

The Isringhausen auto dealership in downtown Springfield could lose access to its showrooms on two blocks, and its street visibilitywould be lost, according to the report.

Geoff Isringhausen said that would be devastating to his business.

A car dealership is like a billboard — people see the vehicles from the street and come inside, he said.

“To block that visibility would be a real setback,” he said.

‘Quiet zones’

Barriers would regulate auto traffic at six other intersections -- Washington, Adams, Monroe, Scarritt, Cedar and Laurel streets.Those intersections would be designated “quiet zones,” at which trains would be prohibited from sounding their horns.

The railroad also suggests closing crossings at Ridgely Street, Eastman Avenue, Jackson Street, Canedy Street and Allen Street,

Davlin said some types of barriers will be needed no matter whether the extra passenger and freight trains will be on Third Street or10th Street. But fewer would be needed along 10th Street.

He also said he’d rather see traffic get backed up downtown than put an overpass or underpass near the Dana-Thomas House.

“If it goes on Third Street, we’re choked up there,” he said. “Just avoid Lawrence. Use, hopefully, South Grand or Capitol, because youcan’t ruin the Dana-Thomas House by putting an overpass or underpass there.”

Underpasses more costly

Underpasses along Third Street would be even more expensive than overpasses because the city’s main sewer line runs near ThirdStreet and would have to be relocated.

The federal government has approved $8 billion in economic stimulus money to establish high-speed rail service nationwide,including along the St. Louis-Chicago route in Illinois. The Union Pacific line, which shares its track with Amtrak, runs throughSpringfield along the Third Street corridor.

Recommend Be the first of your friendsto recommend this.

Davlin and other leaders have emphasized they support high-speed rail in Springfield.

“It’s only this four-mile stretch that we see as a real problem,” he said.

Davlin noted that Bloomington-Normal and Pontiac also have some issues, but “nothing runs through the heart of a community orthe heart of the medical district like what we’re seeing here.”

Deana Poole can be reached at 788-1533.

Local officials hire attorney

Unable to get the ear of state and federal officials, a contingent of local leaders has hired an attorney to evaluate their options infighting a proposal to increase the number of trains along the Third Street corridor.

“The great irony of this is we’re a community that the president of the United States could call his third hometown,” said Andy VanMeter, chairman of the Sangamon County Board. “We have one of the most powerful United States senators living here. The secretaryof transportation just happens to have represented this community and worked on this very issue not nine months ago. The governorof the state supposedly lives here, but we can’t get anybody to listen.”

Van Meter, Mayor Tim Davlin and several other local officials met with members of The State Journal-Register editorial boardWednesday. The group is pushing for a study of the impact, cost and viability of their preferred option of consolidating rail traffic at10th Street.

They also say an updated environmental impact study is needed for Third Street, because it doesn’t take into account the increasedfreight traffic or putting two railroad tracks along the Third Street corridor.

The Union Pacific Railroad Co. plans to use federal stimulus money to lay an additional track along Third Street as a part of the high-speed rail plan.

“We’re convinced if that EIS was done on 10th Street, 10th Street is the only alternative,” he said.

Reached later in the day, Illinois Department of Transportation officials said it’s too late for a new environmental impact study.

“If these deadlines are not met, Illinois will lose the opportunity to be awarded some of the 8 billion dollars which are being madeavailable nationwide for high speed rail,” IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig said through a spokeswoman. “The IDOT cannot complete anew EIS in enough time to submit the high-speed rail project applications to the federal government.”

IDOT also contended that the environmental study on the Third Street route isn’t outdated.

“From a legal perspective, once an EIS is obtained and work begins, it is not stale and it is a timely and vibrant document,” Hannigsaid.

The Union Pacific has concluded the Third Street line would be the least expensive and fastest route for trains traveling up to 110mph.

Davlin said the proposal to run additional freight trains on the route is “piggybacking high-speed rail.”

IDOT officials also noted that UP has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in an intermodal facility near Joliet, which will allowmore freight trains on the company’s tracks in Illinois.

“These freight trains will operate on the same track, whether Illinois is awarded high-speed rail funds or not,” Hannig said. “Freighttrains operate under different speed constraints than passenger trains.

The city, county, and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s Q5 jobs initiative have retained Milt Sees, former IDOTsecretary, to serve as a consultant.

-- Deana Poole

Next week

The Illinois Commerce Commission’s Transportation Policy Committee will host a policy briefing next week on the proposed high-speed rail corridor from Chicago to St. Louis

The meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Hearing Room A of the ICC’s Springfield office, 527 E. Capitol Avenue.

Among those scheduled to speak are Michael Payette, assistant vice president of governmental affairs for the Union Pacific Railroadand Mike Garcia, railroad engineering unit chief at the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Comments (93)no brainer2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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The price of progress , sounds like a great idea isloating vehicles from trains a win win for all in safety .Pager2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Just watch and see what traffic jams this will cause by using the 3rd street corridor, Plus the mess with emergency vehiclesJohn_Locke2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I don't mind the idea of high speed trains, but I definately mind crossings being closed as well as all of the disruptions / lack of access that all of the overpasses will cause. Thedisruptions on the 10th street corridor would be minimal compared to the 3rd street corridor.big larry2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I have stated this once before however it didn't seem to make a dent. The 10th st corridor is owned by Norfolk Southern. NS currently runs 85% of all vehicles made inAmerica on these tracks from Detroit to Kansas City, MO. Citizens of Springfield and our blind mayor, the 10th st Corridor is not an option. Please, do you really think NSwould be willing to risk train delays and their contracts with Ford and GM for the city's problem.Jagergeist2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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With all this money to spend and resistance from the city, why can't we build a new rail line around the city and divert all the trains around? I know it would cost a lot, withUnion Pacific having to buy the land to run a new line, but it would seem to make more sense to swing the whole thing east of the city, somewhere between Rochester andSpringfield.obscureknight2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Folks -

In the past, when a corporation wanted to avoid being bought out by an unsavory buyer, the board would often embed a 'poison pill' within the buyout conditions so that thepotential buyer would be severely weakened by the buy-out. In all probability, Union Pacific does not want the aggravation of instituting high speed passenger rail service andthis stupid restructuring of the 3rd Street corridor is its version of a 'poison pill'. Steven Black2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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So we're going to build high speed rail over probably the oldest sewer line in the city (3rd Street), which is probably brick & mortar. Vibrations could do so much damage tothis line.

Jagergeist, that would work except for the major flood plain just north of the lake. Unfortunately it would take so long to get Army Corps approval for that one..smoke n mirrors2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I hope DURBIN picks up the phone and makes the call to help, but i don't see that happening. TOO much $$$ involved all the way around!!!shak2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Eventually the third street corridor has to come out and the traffic re-routed...outside of town...an electric inter-urban light rail connection down Madison St. betweendowntown and the new 'Obama Amtrak Station' near Clearlake and Dirksen would be as good a means as any to throw away federal incentive money! Union Pacific knowsdamn good and well this proposal is going nowhere...they just want to stir things up and get in line for the big give-a-ways comin' down the line!Ferguson MO2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Jagergeist - i agree with your idea. why does the city, which is trying to 'BEAUTIFY' itself, have to have a high speed railway go through it?? Why cant it go 'AROUND' thecity, except it would not go through the depot downtown. Seems like the powers that be just come up with ideas without really thinking these through.

Yes, it would be great to have highspeed rail in Springfield, but with what price?Disgusted2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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As I've state before, it costs more to revamp the current tracks, given having to buy properties and build nine overpasses or underpasses than to build a new track, somewhereoutside of the confines of the city. If just one highspeed or freight train derails or has another type of accident, the 39 trains right behind it will be stalled for who knows howlong. It's a royal pain to be stopped by one train trying to chug its way through Springfield. Think about this happening 40 times a day. Business in the city would certainly beaffected by time delays, noise, destruction of private business and crippling access to historic sites, etc. Doesn't anyone at UP have any common sense? basho2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Jageresit et al.:

Have you ever done any traveling at all? There are amazing cities all over the world that have high speed trains running right through their hearts... Any major city in Europefor example, many of which are far more beauitful than Springfield, IL. This idea of Davlin's that 'the whole city would look like crap' is ignorant.

Building the tracks 'around' Springfield is completely senseless. One of the major points of the project is to provide alternative public transportation that is extremelyconvenient and efficient. The passenger station therefore needs to be in a centralized location-- i.e. downtown. That is the hub of our bus system and the location of much ofwhat Springfield has to offer.

Think of it this way: If you were going to take a train from here to Chicago, would you like your ride to end out in a suburb or in central downtown?No Rock Chip2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I have said it before and I'll say it again, 'one day they will regret pulling up all those tracks to make nature trails'.

I want high speed rail, just don't go through downtown.grog2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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So, folks, if the track is routed around the city, how will the embarking/debarking passengers get to/from their places of work, touring and shopping sites--thumb-it?Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Railroads do not care about anyone but themselves. This was proven during the 1800's.Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I left out, this is Rod's last ploy to kill Springfield. Who would of funk.BOUNTY HUNTER2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Hey rail road !!!! YOU close all the crossings, YOU build all the overheads and underpass, dont put the blame on us TAXPAYERSwiser one2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Let's see, Springfield is going to take on the Federal goverment & the railroads. Interesting but LasVegas wouldn't even take bets on this. The best they would be able to do isdelay the process. Get used to the plan instead of wasting money by trying to move it to the east side.cubshater2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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You politicians in springfield are going to find out your not as high and mighty as you think you are. You are wasting tax payers money trying to fight the government byhiring a attorney. You complain that unemployment is bad and no money for the city, how many jobs do you think this will create by building all of these overpasses? And Iknow half of you have the unions in your pocket so look at all the under the table money you will make, just think, new houses,new cars,new boats, the list goes on and on.Just accept the fact that this is going to happen and stop padding some attorneys pocket and use this money for a company to draw up plans to make it beautiful.hotrod2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Over pass at fitth street there goes one of my property. Then an under pass at 4th street. Great another under pass that will flood everytime it rains. With the under pass Imay loose 1-3 more properties. My question still has not been answered. Will there be two tracks. I read something from my attorney and it said there will be two tracks.Great! High speed passager trains will travel on one and the other track will have freight. So will the railroad right-of-way have to be wider than it is now? If they take the10th street I still loose one of my properties because of access. No one will want to live next to the tracks with as many trains traveling on the 3rd street corridor.oilman2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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big larry you are correct sir Norfolk and Southern runs that track and judging by the train traffic by my house, they would not do this. A deer was killed by one of thier trainsby my house they just tossed it in the ditch to stink all summer. The vet is right look at the history of railroads what they want they get. I say to he-- with them all.Mike H2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Closing the crossings at Converse and Ridgley would really hurt the East/West connections of northern Springfield not to mention disrupt the traffic to / from the schoolsincluding St. Joseph, SCI, etc. Think about how a kid on a bicycle would get from the Lanphier area to SCI if those crossings are closed. Sure, it's possible, but only if they areriding on 9th street or N. Grand Ave.oilman2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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And another thing to the voters who wanted a change, well this change you can beleive in. Another reward for the railroads. With all the new Chevys sold who needs to ride atrain, passenger trains went broke in the 60's. Without federal tax dollars we would not have amtrac. Ride a bus.hotrod2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Did someone forget about North Grand. Will it be an over pass then what do you do with 6th street. North grand will be a nightmare. I guess they could move 6th street torun over the fifth street over pass. But if they make north grand and 6th street a controled crossing OH! MY GOD! You will not be able to use North Grand.......freedom patriot2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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OK here's my 2 cents worth. From the article a total of 10 over/under passes would need to be built at approximately $15 million each. So for a total of $150 million the city ofSpringfield would have 2 competing railroad companies with their own corridors through the city. Does this make sense to anyone?

What I don't understand is that if most of the funding is from Federal stimulus money, then why is UP so against rerouting their lines to the 10th St corridor. For what itwould cost to build the new over/under passes for 3rd St, 1 or 2 additional UP lines could be redirected to the 10th St corridor and there would be no need to switch. Theycould have their own lines throughout the city on 10th St. And even if they do have to switch to NS for a few meters, what is the big deal? Whaaaaaaa we are going to bury thefuture growth of Springfield because we don't want the hassle of speaking to a competing rail company dispatcher for a few minutes a day.Gentlemen, behold!2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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'The whole city would look like crap. -- Well thank goodness finally someone is willing to take the aesthetics of Springfield (well, what's left of it) into consideration. Thisproposal is a disaster. 4MyKids2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I used to like the idea of high speed rail service between Chicago and St. Louis as well as lots of other locations around the nation. But with this proposal, there is no way Iwant it now. I have hated how the UP RR seems to just force what they want down our throats. And this is not a result of Obama's call for change. They forced the closing ofthe Iles crossing long before Obama was voted in. This has to do with lobbyist who pay more than tax payers could ever pay UP RR only wants the Third Street locationbecause they just spent a lot of money putting in those new concrete RR ties. Also, who owns the 10th street RR. If UP RR doesn't, I am sure that they also wouldn't want tohave to pay another company to use those rails.

I would rather see the 3rd Street line shut down, removed and a new tree lined boulevard or bike trail through the heart of Springfield. But my experience with RR companiesis that they get what they want so I am really scared that this is going to happen no matter what we do but I also don't think we should have to pay for it. If they are going toforce it down our throats then they need to pay every penny of these projects.The city councel and the mayor set the laws in this town, start passing them to make sure that itforces this project to be too cost effective to continue.No Idiot2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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How much money has Union Pacific donated to Durbin? This may explain his silence towards those he represents.

The 3rd Street plan is just bad, bad, bad.Jagergeist2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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basho - Does anyone actually use the train these days? Or, more specifically, does enough people use it to warrant massive disruption to the motor traffic, historical sites andbusinesses along the line? The first (and only) time I took a train my family and I had the fun of listening all morning to convicts who boarded at Lincon. I'm sure somepeople use the train regularly but does that mean we have to have about $100 million in permanent disruptions to satisfy that need? A bypass line and shuttle busses seemslike a better way to go.dallasfan2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I am for high speed rail. I have always contended that America is so far behind Europe in that regard. 110 mph is NOT high speed rail. How much time are we really going togain? Remember Amtrak SHARES the rail lines with freight. They are going to increase freight traffic on the same lines. Yes, there will be additional miles of new track butstill there is not a solely dedicated rail system for passenger trains. I realize there probably can not be, but my point is the tracks are going to be congested. Congestion =delays. It is quite obvious by the statements made by IDOT is that they just want the money and do not care about the taxpayers that pay their salaries. They should take thetime to look at ALL options available to them. Some posters mentioned about riders wanting access downtown, well the 10th St. corridor would still provide that downtownaccess. As a matter of fact, I am certain the City and County could provide IDOT with the various plans, proposals, and studies they have done showing the overall benefits ofhaving trains on 10th St. rather on 3rd St. Let the other states have their money and 110 mph trains. Let's work towards a rail system in Illinois that would truly be cuttingedge and allow trains to travel towards the 200 mph limit, which is what they travel now in Europe and Japan. As I applaud Europe and Japan, we all must keep in mind thathigh speed rail is an expensive proposition. They are not self-sufficient and require government subsidy. Also keep in mind that $8 biliion dollars is just a drop in the bucketof what it will truly cost for ALL the proposals submitted. Again lets step back and let other areas of the country take the money and watch them. In the meantime, let's workout a plan. Shame on the Union Pacific and IDOT for working behind closed doors and excluding the public. Maybe we should exclude them and get another company(foreign railroad) to come in and build their own tracks. I believe Texas was looking into that. Last remark - our 'illustrious' and 'most-revered' Senator Durbin has shown histrue colors. He has been silent on this subject. I do believe I heard a report where his staffer stated that this is an 'old issue' that was brought up 5 years ago and the decisionwas made then. I would like to see the document that supports that statement. Was this an internal memo from Union Pacific or Mr. Durbin or the City, etc.? Change =progress. Many argue that is why many are upset. I think everyone supports progress and would embrace change. But change for greed's sake is disgusting and will bevehemently oppossed. It is also time that Congress and Senators look at the powers a railroad has and change them.

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If they are looking at building 9 overpasses at $15 million a pop, why don't they look at spending $135 million on an additional rail at the 10th street corridor.normlgirl2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Please tell me they are not serious! Overpasses in all those places WILL make the city look horrible! And at $15 MILLION apiece! Shameful!!! I don't care WHO is paying forit!!!Wildloon2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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There are a numbr of questions that I am contemplating. 1. How are other cities affected? Dwight? Atlanta? Lincoln? Elkhart? Williamsville? All these cities will have the trains bulleting down their cities. I have heard this train is tostretch out to Michigan and others. Sll the while, zooming through the small towns. We have to talk to the other cities! Get them involved, and stop this most abhorridplanning. Who cares if there are federal funds? Doesn't mean the idea is GOOD. 2. How can we stop the noise pollution? Have you heard the train whistles in Enos Park? They blow at 8 p.m., 10: p.m. midnight, 3 a.m. 4:30 a.m. 5 a.m. 6 a.m. and all daylong. Can't we have a quiet zone for the whole city? There are more residents outside of the quiet zone that the proposed quiet zone. Have these googleheads live in Enos Parkand work downtown for a true view of their bubblehead proposal. Springfield is not the only city affected by this tragic waste of federal funds. 3. IWould there truly be enough riders to sustain such a rail system? I don't think the current AmTrak is overflowing, you know? Take a serious look at the need. 4. If you built it, doesn't mean they will come. That only works with baseball. Perhaps if the tracks were built AROUND our cities, people would come. I mean, didn't themajor highways have to go around the cities? That only makes sense due to extra noise, safety, etc....And I am sure the cost to go around the cities will be cost effective! Dothe math!!!

Think again!!! Think! The proposal is absolutely preposterous!!! How it got this far, I can only guess - POLITICS and MONEY. Doesn't matter if they are Republican orDemocrat. Greed, and they should be ashamed to ruin our fair cities like this.over502 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I think the mayor is right on this one. We already have major blight going on in the heart of our city. (Boarded up houses, once beautiful homes turned into run-down rentalproperties, vacant lots where once vibrant businesses stood) With all of the proposed overpasses in place this would increase blight, divide residential neighborhoods, anddrive even more businesses out to west Wabash.

Has anyone compared the cost and inconvience of the project with its benefits to Springfield, or is this being pushed by outsiders for the benefit of Chicago/St.Louis?Mickey Mouse2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Living on 4th Street between Ash and Laurel, I can not even fathom how greatly this will disrupt the quality of life for me and my neighbors. An overpass at Ash? It wouldhave to begin inclining at 5th Street, completely blocking off access to 4th...not to mention the Laurel crossing would close...along with the other crossing and proposedoverpasses. Why not just elevate the entire length of rail for those 4 miles and leave the rest of the city alone? Better yet, come up with a better plan or the UP should stopblackmailing Springfield with it's devastating plan.dallasfan2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Just ONE MORE thing............say goodbye to the few flights we already have at Capital airport. Capital airport will be used just for the few corporate jets and private smallplanes.....and of course the State planes. What would the impact be for the airports in Bloomington, Peoria, and Champaign?bill19532 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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build a elevated rail right down the middle of the interstate... like the 'L' in chicago no cross overs no intersections. have a 'islands' like the toll roads in chicago for aterminals. the old tracks will never hold high speed rail. it will have to be all new. oilman2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I been workin on the railroad all the live long day. Send the money back to the IRS and forget this mess. Tell Obama and company we don't want a high speed rail line, comeon people you and me will be dead before this argument is thru. Why not spend the money on relocation of all railroads out of town? Like they were talking about 30 yearsago.Mickey Mouse2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Join my group 'Stop the Obliteration of Springfield on 3rd Street by High Speed Rail'... http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=125985269025&ref=nf dlh2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Re-route it around to the west side. There are north-south tracks on the outskirts west of town that could be utilized for this purpose without having a total cluster----through town. Does Union Pacific own the railroad tracks west of town? Anyone know?RJW2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Mickey Mouse:

I wouldn't join your group if you paid me and I would urge everyone not to waste time arguing against this project. The City is going to waste money once again on a lawsuitthat cannot be won. We don't own the railroad tracks - the train company does. Anyway, when I first moved to Springfield 12 years ago I thought it was ridiculous that traintracks blocked major roads anyway. Springfield is not a well planned city. There should have been overpasses or underpasses all along the 10th street and 3rd street railcorridors anyway on the major east-west streets through Springfield, high speed rail or not. Springfield is a joke as far as city planning is concerned.walt382 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Senator Durbin please help stop this mess. Run the corridor around Springfield, it is unblievable that this could happen.ItSeemsToMe2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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OK Springfield, in the long run there needs to be a highway around Springfield to the west. Why not have a plan to have a rail and highway corridor together? Can anyonevisualize into the future?dallasfan2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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TO RJW: you make a great point about poor planned city. However a new plan has been developed and it is to reroute the trains to 10th Street. My understanding is that planhas been approved, blessed, or whatever you want to say. I could be wrong. I am wondering if the 10th St. plan had IDOT's and UP's approval. If not, we now know why IDOTand UP are doing what they are doing. I encourage everyone to attend tomorrow's Citizen Club meeting at the Hoogland from 7:30 - 9am.sms22132 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I'm not so sure that some of the overpasses won't be more aestheticaly pleasing, if done right architecturally, than some of the existing rail/street intersections. As for SenatorDurbin... All you 'I only vote Democrat' or 'Senator Durbin does so much for us' voters should remeber this come election time. Knowing Senator Durbin he'll be bragginghow he brought all this Stimulus Money to Springfield $15,000,000 per intersection come the next election.gilligan2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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If the city has the right to any property because of 'eminent domain' they why doesn't the city acquire the 3rd street railroad for a new north south road and force the railroadto relocate? They do this all the time with personal residences.outlaw thinking2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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here's a fresh idea.....why not just build a new revised and better springfield off to the east away from all rail traffic. now before you write the idea off as being silly andimpractial, just consider for a moment.... no more trains, whistles, traffic delays, wrecks or frustrations.....we could start with a new (replica) of lincoln's home, library andmuseum (without ryan's name etched into the cornerstone), find us a wannabe frank lloyd wright to design and build us a bigger and even more gaudy dana thomas house.all government buildings like the long vacant govenor's mansion and both state capitols could be moved to chicago where the real seat of state government exists and then wecould easily sell the old springfield to bill cellini so he can lease it back to the state. we could scoop up all our profits and hire a few more spokespersons for mayor tim.thinking this through some more, we should definitely retain cwlp since it's the only profit making organization springfield has and it doesn't sit anywhere near any railroad.todd can come along so long as he doesn't hire any more spokespeople. problem solved. we need more creative thinkers out here.basho2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Jagergeist-

That's the whole point... building a more efficient RR system is supposed to spur people to use it as a more/ equally convenient mode of transportation as whatever they'reusing now. I lived in the United Kingdom for awhile, where the rail system was top notch. I used it all the time-- whether I had a car to drive or not-- because its that muchmore desirable. __________________

Wildloon-

Let's stop and think here for a minute. When you use the highway for transportation, you're in a car. Highways going AROUND cities are not a problem, precisely becauseyou have a car to drive into the cities. When you travel by train, you DON'T HAVE A PERSONAL VEHICLE. Hence the reason why no passenger train has EVER been built'around' a city.

If you built it, doesn't mean they will come. That only works with baseball. Perhaps if the tracks were built AROUND our cities, people would come. I mean, didn't the majorhighways have to go around the cities? That only makes sense due to extra noise, safety, etc....And I am sure the cost to go around the cities will be cost effective! Do themath!!!Assistant editorial page editor Chris Wetterich2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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hotrod, there would be two tracks. We've got more coverage of this over on The Boiler Room blog: http://blogs.sj-r.com/boilerroom, including more details on the meetingwe had yesterday with Van Meter and Davlin and the IDOT response.hotrod2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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You all don't understand someone who has political clout is going to make a bundle off the 3rd street location. Think of all the properties that will have no access that the citywill be forced to buy before the over pass or underpass can be constructed. Look at the Union Jobs that will be used to build the Over or under passes. Yes, Just follow themoney and you will find who the real power behind the 3rd street location. By the way there will be twin tracks. The article above makes reference to the twin tracks. Thatmean another track will be constructed in the right-of-way. So again is the right-of-way going to need to be expanded????And if has to be expand is the city or the railroadgoing to purchase those property that is expanded or take the land by Eminate Domain. And then if they don't purchase those property that now have huge freight trainsrunning very close to the back side of house who will pay for the damages done to structure. Most of these homes have brick foundation and range in age of 80-120 year oldstructures. All the vibration are going to cause all kinds of damage to the structures.Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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RJW, It was planned well, until the railroads got there way, and starting with Thompson, seat of gornment got sold to Chi-town.hotrod2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Here is another thought. Were is the City going to come up with the money to buy all the properties and to help with the cost of the over and under passess? Isn't Citystuggling to just pay for all the services the City offers now? Could someone tell me were will the money going to come from? HUM, I wonder will they raise property taxes tocover the cost or raise the sales tax or asked the city as a whole to vote for a tax increase....HUM.........I know some of the funding will come from the feds but if it is like mostgrants with the feds to city will have to pay up to 30%. Can the city get help from state who in it's self is stuggling to pay the bills. So again where will the money comefrom??????Ferguson MO2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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'One of the major points of the project is to provide alternative public transportation that is extremely convenient and efficient' - may be efficient but hardly convienent whenmost of the best stores are on the outside of Springfield. How convienent will that be?obscureknight2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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basho -

Most of the 'great' cities of Europe were either severely damaged or completely leveled by the end of World War II: during the rebuilding effort, surface transportationcorridors were relocated to better serve the community. Springfield is still living with a urban plan that dates from 1900 and it shows.RIO19452 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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This would hardly be the first time that UP has taken avantage of Federal monies! Read: 'http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crédit_Mobilier_of_America_scandal' or just run asearch on the history of the Union Pacific and/or Credit Mobilier. Also note that UP is one of the largest private landowners in the United States.Homer Simpson2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Can't blame UP. They want to go by a nice view of the capitol building. They are afraid to go down 10th St. I would be too.snarly person2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I think it's about time for a high speed railway however the planning behind this is pathetic. Shouldn't the railway be the ones to build around the city? And by around I meanthrough city on raised tracks. Similar to the 'L' in Chicago. With raised tracks traffic will not be stopped, that irritating train whistle will not have to be heard and the trackswill be raised enough so no business fronts or homes will be obstructed.

Tains through downtown cities isn't a new concept. Look to other successful cities for ideas.illinifan20032 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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The City of Springfield should come over to Champaign to better understand raising your railroads. The Illinois Central did it here in 1924 and it runs right through the heartof the City. There are issues of creating barriers and flooding has been an ongoing problem given the age but without them Champaign would be at a stand still. They haveworked well for us and they should be looked at for comparison.no brainer2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Why does everybody think it's so cheap to build new tracks around the city ,the cost of the land alone would be out of sight .And using the 3rd street for a bike path is suicidefor the users bacause of all the intersections ,and how many millions for traffic control devices to make it safe for use????? But what gets me most all of you want to controleverything you can see , but not what you own as if you look at a lot of propertys along the 3rd street line another set of tracks would improve the looks greatly .thucydides2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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cant obama or durbin stop thisash1352 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I agree with Mayor Davlin. This will make the city look like crap!!!!! Building overpasses in downtown will take away from the historical look of Springfield. Also, the speedlimit downtown is 30-35 MPH. These trains will be going up to 110 MPH. If one of these where to derail at that speed, the whole 3rd st. corridor is toast!!!!!basho2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Ferguson-

People don't travel from Chicago or St. Louis to Springfield to shop at the types of stores I assume you're referring to. The majority of our attractiveness to outsiders is in thecentral area of the city. Outsiders to an area don't generally visit it to witness the (almost suburbian style) residential housing and chain department stores. Those are thegenerics that can be found anywhere.

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obscure knight-

In the UK, I lived in a town roughly the same size as Springfield. The rail went straight through the heart of downtown. It went straight through the heart of downtown inevery community it went through. It ended up directly in the center of major cities. (I might add again that it worked beautifully and if anything added nothing butdesirability to the towns/ cities.)

The re-location of transportation corridors, as you describe it, simply never happened.

The only exception I might add is that in huge metropolis type cities in Europe, the RR tracks do tend to be located further away from the central part of the city. The reasonwhy, however, is because these cities had metro train connections (like the L in Chicago) at the train station... 'metro' or not, essentially they had 'train' tracks running allthroughout the city (so that people could still utilize public transportation). jejo2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Supposedly some stimulus money is going to cover this....since when can we trust that statement, especially now. There are so may other things that this money could beallocated to, high speed rail is not needed in Illinois. We don't want it or need it. Give it up and move on to something more constructive, like fixing current bridges, roads,city streets, rural highways, and on and on and on.

We can't even offer pre-k services to all schools in Illinois right now, but by golly there is money set aside for a railroad, THAT WE ALREADY HAVE! If Illinois families haveto stick to a budget to survive, why does the federal and state government think they are so special that they don't have to. They are making plans to spend money, with NOidea of where it is going to come from. Simple solution, when the railroad has ALL of the money it needs to make this go forward with NO help from the cities, counties,states, to make the upgrades, new overpasses, new underpasses, new rails etc., then it can go though. STOP MAKING PLANS TO SPEND MONEY THAT IS IMAGINARY.LET US SEE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT (the railroads)Lael13542 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Overpasses, underpasses, street closures, and a WHOLE LOT of additional train traffic which ever direction it ends up. I live near the tracks on the 10th street corridor andam not all that excited about the possibility of an additional 40 freight trains a day going through there. The noise and vibrations will be unbearable. If high speed rail meansputting up with that, I don't want it at all.cover2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I suggest a compromise proposal: 1) Upgrade the existing Amtrak station and continue using the 3rd St. tracks for the Amtrak service. The 3rd St. location is far more convenient than 10th for mostpassengers' needs, and there is already a station. Moving to 10th St. would require more new construction, yet another cost to the taxpayers. 2) Re-route UP's freight traffic to the 10th St. corridor, adding another track specifically for UP if necessary. That $150 million not needed for 3rd St. overpasses would go along way toward property acquisition that would be needed to build a new north-end connection between the NS and UP lines. Currently, the only connection is via the IM ona sharply-curved connecting track on North Grand next to Lanphier Park, at grade. Neither that track nor North Grand vehicle traffic could handle the strain of 40 trains perday.

Benefits vs. UP/IDOT plan: passengers still use convenient 3rd St. station; downtown traffic stoppages reduced; no vibration problems in Medical District. Possible downsides: will need grade separation (either over- or underpass) at both Madison and Jefferson, which eats up part of the $150M; disruptions to neighborhoodssouth and/or east of Lanphier Park to connect new line back to UP main line.

I don't live in the areas immediately affected, so I have no personal stake in the outcome. I just want to see a wiser use of taxpayer funds if this project is going to moveforward.tlr2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I am (unfortunatley) unceasingly amazed at how many people comment on these stories without ever reading them. I see one person still thinks there will be trains zoomingthrough Springfield at over 100 MPH (no they won't), another thinking that Springfield is paying for the overpasses (not one red cent), and all complaining about Durbin andPresident Obama not 'stepping up' for their home town and state (are you REALLY SURPRISED????). How many of all of you complaining are also buying the green movement and climate change? If so, you have no right to complain about anything when it comes toexpanding rail service. The use of rail cars, and passenger rails takes Semi's and cars off the road...but wait! Now it may be something that would bother you so it's bad right? Build the new line UP, run those trains, move more people, and haul those Chinese made goods. As with everything else the people cry, moan and complain about, in 10 yearsthey won't know the difference. As for me, I'll keep to my truck and the roadways thankyouverymuch.dst952 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Here we go again. I am tired of the city destroying the east side of Springfield. Why not the 3rd street tracks. It's about time the rest of the city feels the pain that those of uswho live on the east side feel on a daily basis. We have more train traffic on 19th Street, then you have to cross 10th street,, then 3rd street. How many train tracks go throughthe west side of town. Is it because the city only cares about those with 'money'. Wake up Springfield. The eastside is tired of being your dumping ground.no brainer2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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ash135 what does it take to make yourself and others realise that the passenger trains will not travel a 110mph thru town ,right now the posted limit is 40 .Homer Simpson2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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They need to work on a bypass for Route 4 around Chatham. Not this railroad thing.

Vote YES to the bypass around Chatham.MrTee2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I bet if this had anything to do with Panther Creek, they wouldn't go through with it.Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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If anyone wants to see what this plan will turn into, take a drive into Decatur. They have a really good example. And if you want to visualize it here in Springfield, take away4th & 2nd St's. That is a huge area that will be a void splitting the city.big larry2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Yes, I'm all for using the 10th street corridor, especially since those tracks run to DECATUR, not CHICAGO. Of course the fine folks of springfield are all itching to head to the soy city, so it's a fine idea. Keep up the good work springfield city leaders!!!johninsangamon2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I agree that a bypass around the city would like be just as cheap as all the developments downtown. That said, how about a bypass west of town. Use the same tracks up toabout Thayer. Swing west from there up along the Curran Road area, out by Riddle Hill, then swing north past Capital Airport. At the airport, a transportation hub could bedeveloped. Shuttles could take passengers downtown or where ever, so could cabs, just like those who fly out of Springfield arrange. Additionally, perhaps the freight servicecould work in conjunction with the airport, developing some sort of big warehousing/transportation hub near the airport. Freight could be flown into Capitol Airport, then

transferred to rail service or over the road trucking, to be dispursed throughout the midwest. Just a thought. Makes sense to me. Plus it could be use to develop some greatcommerce and blue collar jobs for Springfield, which is greatly needed in this city for reasons of diversity.johninsangamon2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I am sure the airport could expand and maybe jump on some of those federal dollars. From the airport, the tracks could continue north and hook back up with the existingtracks somewhere north of the city, or north or Williamsville. Gotta be as cheap as those developments downtown. Plus some out west of town could get some quick easydollars from the fed and/or UP for their land.frosty2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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This is the dumbest idea that has come along. We just came off of the Dirksen over pass just south of Sangamon Ave it has to be at least 1/4 of a mile from start to finish.If this is to be done in the downtown area 9 times Springfield will be a mess. The approaches will go from east near 5th street cutting off 4th street. Davlin and Co. are tryingto make Spfld more attractive to visitors but what about the people that live and work in all the areas where the overpasses will be. There are 290 apartments at 4th andJefferson on both sides of Jefferson. Many of the apartments in Near North Village are occupied by disabled persons who often need ambulances to come for various reasons.I don't know how many people in the St Nick Apts need access for emergency assistance. It will also cut off access to the car dealer on Jefferson who I am sure contributes alarge amount of tax dollars to the city with each car sale,Durbin and Davlin should get all their ducks in order and put a stop to the 3d. street idea.kdk2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I think that all of you that are complaining about the railroad need to consider what the railroads do for you. If you enjoy having your lights on and your houses heated, thenyou should be thanking the railroad. I believer the high speed rail is a great idea.Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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big larry, look again. The 10th st corridor splits at Cook & 19th streets. Both UP & NS use those tracks. Matter of fact, UP has a yard next to the Sangamon Center North Plaza.So, why does the railroad want to do this you ask? Take a look at Decatur, and then open your eyes.

If it is in their ways, they will lay waste. It is in the Bible, and this is one prophecy you cannot turn your back to.big larry2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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VET, the 10th st corridor does not split at cook and 19th. In fact the line you speak of is the Illinois Central. Or should I say the Canadian National. I guess you knew that. Letme explain this to you, this line is NS 2nd largest rail line in the eastern US. They are no willing to allow high speed rail on it. Please point me to the bible passage where jesuswarned about high speed rail.big larry2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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The Department of Transportation has been conducted a study on these tracks....They came to their final decision..They are just now telling us what they are going to stickdown our throats....Their is nothing the mayor, durbin or anybody on here complaining can do. This was decided long ago...SPFLDnet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Downtown Mishawaka, Indiana is a perfect example of what will happen if this proceeds.There will be gridlock.no brainer2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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spfldnet

you mean you don't like UP's tracks running in the middle of the road up there ? But belive it or not a lot of citys share the street with railroads .OhComeOn2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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big larry, RJW, ObsureKnight, and cover seem to be the only folks with a true understanding of the problems.

First of all, Union Pacific owns the 3rd street tracks that run St. Louis-Carlinville-Springfield-Bloomington-Joliet-Chicago; Norfolk Southern owns the 10th street tracks thatrun Kansas City-Hannibal-Jacksonville-Springfield-Decatur-Danville-Layfayette-Detroit. The tracks have been there since the 1800's. Both railroads make their moneyrunning freight trains; neither runs any passenger trains. Amtrak rents the use of the UP line for their passenger trains, and is currently limited to 79 mph outside of town.They are taking advantage of UP's track upgrades and improvements in signaling technology to (hopefully) move up to 110 mph -- OUTSIDE of town.

True 'high-speed rail' technology (230 mph-plus bullet trains similar to Europe and Japan) would require their own tracks or monorail system -- so we could build themanywhere we want. The cost would be tremendous.

UP has NEVER said there would be 40 trains a day ... they said FOUR to SIX additional freight trains per day, or about forty a WEEK. The Norfolk Southern's line is just asbusy. So, you first have to convince Norfolk Southern to let their competitor use their tracks up 10th Street. Then, you have to add one or more sets of tracks on 10th Street tohandle the additional trains. If you also move Amtrak's passenger trains to 10th Street, you introduce another problem: Federal law prohibits freight trains from passingAmtrak trains stopped to load and unload passengers. So now all those NS and UP freight trains get backed up every time an Amtrak train stops. On top all of that, howwould you get the UP trains off NS tracks at the north end of town? Two choices there, and either one means spending even more money: 1) Bulldoze Robin Roberts Stadiumand/or a bunch of houses on the north end and lay new track up to Sangamon Avenue, or 2) lay new track out past I-55 and then to the north. Either way, somebody else willbe mad.

Trains can only go where the tracks are, and can only pass other trains where there are passing sidings. You can't just pick up tracks and move them like you could under theChristmas tree. Look how long it's taken and how much it has cost to build a couple of miles of new road and overpasses to connect MacArthur to I-72. Railroads requireheavier bridges, taller overpasses, wider, sweeping curves, and more.

The proposals for additional over- and under-passes are suggestions to alleviate the problems caused by stupid drivers and careless pedestrians. The railroads were here first.The city built up around them and because of them. I still don't understand why people buy houses or businesses next to the railroad (or airport, interstate, or factory, for thatmatter) and then complain about the noise. I used to live across the street from a busy railroad, and I knew what that meant when I moved in. The tracks have been therelonger than any of us have been alive, and used to carry more trains than they do now. Folks are just mad because they bought or built betting the railroad use would decline,and now they're mad they lost their bet.big larry2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Oh Come On, You hit the nail on the head. I hope everyone reads your post. This may clear up the confusion for those that think they have the answer....Bookworm2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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OhComeOn raises the best points yet. Last night I noticed protesters around the Dana Thomas House who were upset about the proposed overpass. I can see their pointabout blocking the view and all, but if I remember correctly, the house was intentionally built next to the railroad tracks because that was considered a desirable location inthe late 19th and early 20th centuries as passenger trains could stop there on request. Building next to the railroad back then was like building on or near a main street,interstate exit, or bus line would be today.Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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big larry, I forgot, that you know it all. I am guessing that the physical track layout @ 19th lies, along with the maps.BBishere22 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Don't route the train through the middle of town - route it around one side - at least the impact to the community would be reduced and the cost would be cheaper - what amI saying? Cost cheaper? Our politicians are not familiar with that concept.

A new station could be built that is modern and have more parking for more less cost too. Again, not an issue to the politicians.

Multiple overpasses with a 'high speed rail' would mean Springfield would be nothing more than a series of speed bumps. The city would be the laughing stock of the state -which it is already.

We're behind Europe in our railroad system? So what, Europe is behind us in everything else - not to mention that it was their governments building those systems on thebacks of the people, not a private industry. How much money does their railroad lose every year - as much as ours? How much money does those European governmentspour into the railroad system each year and are they profitable? How many millions go into subsidizing them? Amtrak has been a loser since day one and only keeps runningbecause of government subsidies. Let's just pour more money down that rat hole, along with the one for socialized health care, cap & trade energy, etc, etc, etc. Change youcan believe in? That's all you have left in your pocket after the increase in taxes to pay for all of these things....Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Even easier is, to dig out the 3rd street line, bury the train through a tunnel like they do in some cities, then cover over. Problem solved.no brainer2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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What a lot of you seem to forget is that all the crossings in town are private property ,and the railroads give the city and state easements for crossings . .And vet what have youbeen smoking as said before tunnels are out of the question since it would interfere with the sewers . and gas lines water and such .Plus you seem to think it's so cheap tobuild new tracks around town ,UP charges business $250,000 and up just to install a switch to service them so take that times 100,000 or so and that probley would not evencome close to the costs related to the relocation costs . I say leave it alone and just keep the present course the tracks now take .basho2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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BBishere2-

Europe is behind us in everything else? How ignorant. Have you ever even visited, let alone lived in, any of the countries there?

How could their RR systems not be profitable?-- in most European countries they are the biggest form of inter-city transportation (public or private). It's because they'reextremely efficient and convenient... HENCE WHY WE ARE TRYING TO CATCH UP. So what if the work of building the systems was government contracted? What in theworld does that matter?

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Vet, I was an employee for Norfolk Southern. The tracks you are talking about are an interlocker. NS and UP do not own those tracks nor does Amtrak. Its not that I know itall I just hate reading post from people who don't know what they are talking about. In the future if you have a valid point then make it. Just don't blog about something whenyou don't have all the facts.OhComeOn2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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Another common problem we all have is the resources we use. Google maps (http://maps.google.com) and the map in the AT&T Springfield phone book show rail lines thatno longer exist, and were pulled up years ago. (http://maps.yahoo.com are current.) Also, the lines paralleling Stanford avenue and up 19th street through the old Pillsburycomplex have sharp curves and steep grades that will not work for heavy freight or ffast passenger trains. Plus, you are adding two more railroads into the mix ... CanadianNational (who bought Illinois Central) and the I&M. Any time railroads cross at an angle like that, one train must stop, backing up trains behind it as well as automobiletraffic. That's why NS rebuilt the tracks south of town: A) To add a passing siding and allow better traffic control between the five railroads (when you include the Kansas CitySouthern line that goes to Roodhouse and beyond); B) they had the room to do it (south of Iles and west of Southern View, and paralleling I-72. As a benefit, they were able toabandon the line down North Street and Wabash Avenue.Vet2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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kdk, they do nothing for us. Majority of the freight trucked from Chicago, comes off of Intermodol train yards, and gets TRUCKED downstate. Also, Intermodol comes byShip into Gary IN. The only things the railroads are doing, is trying to make Springfield look like Decatur. Take a look east of us at how bad Decatur looks, and how theirdowntown appear. Everyone lives in Forsyth, which is Chatham to us.altonrr2 years agoReport AbuseYou must be logged in to report abuse.

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I have never seen such an uproar over the rights of government and citizens telling a corporation how to do business on how they believe it should be. The railroads own theland and pay taxes on the property. How would any one who owns a business would like it if they wanted to do more business government and the local citizens would tellthem on how to do it. They would not! Let's look at the past. In the late 1940's and the early 1950's the railroad ran over 12-14 passenger trains a day, not counting the freighttrains. Springfield survived then. Was there such a fuss then as there is now? I am sure that the citizens then probably dislike the railroad then, but accepted it as a fact of life.I thought common sense would dictate when you purchase property to see if sewer lines, buried cable, water lines, electric lines, and forbid a railroad! If your property is nextto a railroad you are going to condemn them for upgrading? Railroads built Springfield. If the railroad did not build in Springfield the city might now be the size ofWilliamsville. Town expanded out from the railroad tracks and Springfield was no exception. I know of a case where a sub-division was built almost on the right-a-way of therailroad tracks that had not been used in over 20 years. The railroad upgraded the line to be active and the land owners went to court. Court favored the railroad since therailroad had not been abandoned and the land owner's deeds showed a railroad on their edge of the property. The UP plans on running more trains than brings products tothe market place when the consumer can purchase items cheaper. Curtail business and watch prices go up even more. The UP pays extremely high tax rate on the land thatthe tracks are on. Doesn't that help the city on the State? 100mph trains in Springfield? The curves and the lay of the land will not allow that in the city. Out side of town itwill happen. Let's say that it is possible. 30mph in town would cause the average motorist with the largest freight train around 5 minutes or less. 110mph train would pass thecrossing in about 1 minute or less. Perhaps the best solution is to let the railroad run the trains after 6pm and to 7am in the morning.Login or register to post a comment:Login

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