Galesburg council backs RAISE grant application to study South Street railroad underpass

The Galesburg City Council on Jan. 21 voted to support a RAISE grant application to fund a project planning study of the South Street railroad underpass.

City staff described the study as a planning-phase effort to develop the project purpose and need, analyze alternatives and conceptual designs, coordinate public involvement, study environmental impacts and produce cost estimates. "The total estimated cost of the project planning study is $1,683,988," staff advised, and the program would cover 80 percent of the study with a 20 percent local match. Staff said the city's share of that match would amount to $168,399.

City Manager Hansen told the council the study could include changes such as closing the Mulberry Street crossing, replacing the current underpass with a structure that has no height restriction, and straightening the underpass to align with South Street and improve the Seminary Street intersection. Hansen said the project planning application is competitive and may return to the council in later rounds.

Council approved the resolution by voice vote; the clerk recorded seven yes votes. The staff presentation did not commit the city to construction funding; it authorized submitting the planning grant application and a local funding commitment if the grant is awarded. The council may receive future updates and cost refinements if the application advances.