Commission asks staff to start public location analysis for grade‑separated rail crossing after decades of study

The Livingston City Commission directed staff to start an analysis and public outreach on possible locations for a grade‑separated rail crossing after City Manager Mister Gager presented the project history, funding options and a proposed work plan. The commission emphasized that a publicly vetted location analysis is a prerequisite to any future bond or grant application.

Gager reviewed past efforts: a 2008 voter approval of local funds for a Front Street/Star Road underpass that never reached construction after the federal match was lost, and a 2021 referendum seeking $20 million for a western crossing that voters rejected. He said there is no current community consensus on a preferred location and recommended a roughly eight‑month location analysis to evaluate all viable options and their constructability, costs and tradeoffs.

Gager outlined federal and state grant programs that typically fund such projects, including the U.S. Department of…