GALESBURG, Illinois - There's a new gateway to Galesburg on the way for 2018. The city is getting the green light for a new $17.5 million underpass on Main Street.
Right now, drivers must wait on more than 150 passing trains each day in Galesburg, which is toughest to contend with during emergencies. The situation slows first responders when seconds count.
"A full cardiac arrest, or perhaps worst of all, a baby not breathing," said Galesburg Fire Chief Tom Simkins. "Our success must happen in a small window of opportunity."
That's a big reason why city and state leaders dig in with ceremonial shovels on Friday, Aug. 19. They're ready to start work on the underpass. When completed in late 2018, cars will actually drive under the train traffic that crosses Main Street.
"For folks that live in Galesburg, we want to be sure that they can freely move around in the city," said BNSF Terminal Supervisor Joe Gioe.
While decades in the making, three other overpasses have opened in recent years.
At the west end of Main Street, the Don Moffitt Overpass, which opened in 2012, eases traffic for some 9,000 drivers each day.
The Bickerdyke Bridge opened on Seminary Street in November 2014.
This Main Street project will help to keep traffic and trains moving.
"It's a day that some people thought would never get here," said IL Rep. Don Moffitt, (R) Galesburg. "But it's exciting."
The new underpass will create about 200 construction jobs.
Street closures will begin in Spring 2017 and are expected to last about a year and a half.
It will be worth the wait for tourism officials.
"We're also a great destination for history and food," said Tourism Director Bill Morris. "It's just really going to help people get into our beautiful downtown."
One day, trains and traffic will move at the same time on Main Street.
"It is huge," Rep. Moffitt concluded.
It's like installing a huge new front door for Galesburg, Illinois.