(The Associated Press circulated the following on March 14, 2009.)
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Two railroad companies have agreed to help pay the cost of closing six railroad crossings in Terre Haute and two others outside the city limits.
Under an agreement reached Thursday, Terre Haute will pay $2.25 million, Vigo County will spend $1.25 million and Indiana Rail Road and CSX will chip in $500,000 each toward the closures.
Railroad officials will begin the work to close the eight crossings in July. Indiana Rail Road Co. President Peter Ray says he hopes the work is done by December.
Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett says the closure of the crossings will eliminate some of the city’s traffic issues. The plan will also reduce the potential for vehicle-train collisions.