A hearing Tuesday afternoon in Springfield will explain improvements to the 3rd Street rail line.
Springfield leaders breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced rail traffic would be consolidated along 10th Street. They had concerns of more and faster trains traveling through the heart of downtown. But while the 10th Street corridor is being revamped, the trains won't wait. That means safety improvements are needed along 3rd Street.
That will enable freight trains to go up to 40 miles per hour, an increase from the current limit of 25. Today's open house will detail the project. Some grade crossings might also be considered for closure as a way to trim costs. While the 3rd Street work is estimated to have a price tag of about $30 million, officials say the moving the trains to 10th Street is still being planned in coming years.
You can find out more from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Springfield Hilton.
