By Sam Thomas
NORMAL – The Normal Town Council unanimously approved a $1.4 million study at its meeting Monday night that will investigate the feasibility of constructing a pedestrian underpass connecting Uptown Station and the new “uptown south” area.
Normal City Manager Mark Peterson says the railroad tracks create a “natural barrier” and limits opportunities for development in the area.
“We’ve begun to focus on the development opportunities on the south side of the railroad tracks, hence the need to create an efficient, convenient passageway from one side of the tracks to the other. The railroad tracks create a natural barrier.”
New York-based firm WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff will execute the study that could take up to two years to complete.
Peterson sees this decision-and all infrastructure improvements- as an investment.
“I would characterize all of the infrastructure work that we’ve done in Uptown as an investment,” Peterson said. “And it’s paying dividends. The private investment that is occurring in new buildings and new businesses is clearly evident.”
He added that the process will be a lengthy one, with the study taking up to two years to complete.
Peterson remarked that it’s too early to speculate the final cost of construction, but he says it won’t be cheap.
“There are really too many variables for me to speculate on cost,” he said. “It won’t be inexpensive, I can tell you that. Because you’ve got a fairly significant span that you’re going under, and you’re going under active rail lines.”
The council had a lengthy discussion on the issue prior to the unanimous vote.
Sam Thomas can be reached at Sam@WJBC.com.
