$13 million grant awarded for new railroad underpass in Uptown Normal

Posted on November 6, 2019
Uptown Station
The project will help establish a better connection between Uptown Normal and homes on the south side of the railroad tracks, according to a news release.  (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – The town of Normal has been awarded $13 million in federal funding for the final design and construction of a railroad underpass in Uptown Normal.

The project will design and construct a pedestrian, bicyclist, and passenger underpass as well as a second boarding platform on the south side of the tracks near Uptown Station, according to a news release Wednesday.  The project was supported by Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Congressmen Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood.

“The Town’s innovative planning for the future of transportation brought us to this point and we are excited for federal and state dollars to be returning to our community,” said Normal Mayor Chris Koos.

“I’m pleased that this federal funding will help Normal build an underpass that will lead to safer and more efficient travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and rail passengers,” Durbin said.

“This is a huge win not only for the development of Uptown Normal, but for the citizens of Normal,” said Davis.

“It’s a continuing effort to improve infrastructure in Normal and across Central Illinois while supporting local jobs,” said Duckworth.

The investment was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD grant program.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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