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Committee to pursue closure of Kingston Road railroad crossing after CN offers limited funds
Summary
City staff reported Canadian National Railroad offered $15,000 toward closing the Kingston Road crossing and staff cited state match potential, prompting the Public Works Committee to approve pursuing closure and schedule a future public hearing and resolution.
The Public Works Committee voted to pursue closure of the Kingston Road railroad crossing after Canadian National Railroad (CN) offered a limited contribution toward the work.
City engineer Joe Eichstead told the committee CN responded to follow‑up inquiries by confirming a $15,000 contribution; Eichstead said the state would likely match that with another $15,000, bringing the two‑party total to about $30,000. Eichstead noted earlier estimates for closing the crossing had been about $130,000 but that staff believed the cost could be reduced toward $100,000 as the new roadway turnarounds and layout are refined.
"June 15, they had sent back an email...and confirmed that $15,000 was the max contribution they'd be able to offer," Eichstead said, summarizing CN’s response. He told members a public hearing would be required before any formal resolution to close the roadway.
Committee members supported pursuing the closure. "Keeping that open will cost the city...$320,000 versus basically $100,000 by closing it," one member said, urging staff to move the item forward. Chair Matt Zachary moved to pursue removal of the grade crossing; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps include preparing for and holding a public hearing and then considering a resolution to close the roadway at a future Public Works meeting; staff will continue to negotiate and refine costs.
