COLUMBUS, Ind. — The length and frequency of train traffic in Columbus will substantially increase by the year 2018. The number of Louisville & Indiana trains is scheduled to increase from eight to 22 each day, and the length will grow from 5,100 feet to more than 7,000 feet.
The $100 million upgrade of the line between Indianapolis and Louisville, done in partnership with CSX Corporation, was approved in 2015 by the Federal Surface Transportation Board and is already impacting the Seymour area. The upgrade will also impact Edinburgh, Franklin, Whiteland, and Greenwood. Mayors from Seymour, Columbus, Franklin and Greenwood unsuccessfully attempted to appeal the FSTB decision.
The increased traffic at the State Road 46 crossing in Columbus will not only be an inconvenience, but could also become a safety concern for first responders.
Former Mayor Kristen Brown of Columbus explored the possibility of an overpass with elected officials and Indiana Department of Transportation leaders in January of 2015. INDOT leaders estimated the cost of an overpass at more than $35 million. INDOT deputy commissioner, Tony McClellan said, “INDOT will consider this project for future years after our first priority of road and bridge maintenance needs. Regional projects such as this tend to be most successful when state and local officials partner on funding.”
Current Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop has established the Railroad Project Community Committee, led by redevelopment commission vice president John Dorenbusch. The committee meets regularly to evaluate options to mitigate the pending increase in traffic.
A Monday briefing outlined the details of a study approved by the redevelopment commission earlier this year. The contract, not to exceed $125,000 with Indianapolis-based Structurepoint, recommends continued engagement and quantified increased traffic.