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Redevelopment Commission weighs Calumet pedestrian crossing options after Norfolk Southern limits choices
Summary
Staff told the Chesterton Redevelopment Commission that Norfolk Southern permits only a crossing that fits the existing asphalt width, requiring restriping, a concrete curb with tubular markers, lane shifts and loss of on‑street parking; initial cost proposed at $125,000, but actuated pedestrian gates could raise the price, and the commission took the proposal under advisement.
Redevelopment Commission members discussed options for a pedestrian crossing on Calumet near a railroad crossing after staff met with Norfolk Southern. Staff said the railroad indicated only one option would be feasible on their right‑of‑way: fit the crossing within the existing asphalt width, restripe lanes, shift Calumet east and add a concrete curb with tubular markers as a physical separator.
A staff presentation noted tradeoffs: the recommended solution would remove on‑street parking on both sides of the road and require lane adjustments. "We proposed Lock Mueller proposed initially $125,000," a staff member said when commissioners asked about cost, but staff cautioned that the railroad may require pedestrian‑actuated gates, which would increase the cost "considerably." Commissioners expressed safety concerns about placing pedestrians on the side where traffic currently crosses and questioned whether additional pavement or a different alignment would be safer.
Commission members unanimously agreed to "take it under advisement" to allow more time to explore options and get better cost and design information; there was no formal motion to table and no vote on funding. The transcript shows staff will return with additional options and cost estimates at a future meeting.
Ending
The commission deferred a decision pending further study, additional cost estimates and continued coordination with Norfolk Southern; no funding commitment was made at this meeting.
