(The Associated Press circulated the following story on November 16.)
TUPELO, Miss. — The city of Tupelo will get $500,000 from a federal transportation bill to study options of relocating the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad from midtown and downtown, says U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker.
Wicker, R-Miss., said Friday the money is included in a compromise transportation funding bill pending before Congress. Once passed, it goes to the president for approval.
Railroad relocation in Tupelo revolves around the Crosstown intersection at Main and Gloster streets, bisected by the railroad and adjacent to its switching yards.
Virtually every train that crosses or stops on the tracks at Crosstown congests Tupelo traffic on dozens of streets in all directions.
Officials have said because there are no bridges cross railroads in high-traffic street locations, long crossing delays citywide can produce gridlock when the crossing reopens and traffic rushes to regain momentum.
“This is the first step,” said Mayor Larry Otis.
Dozens of long-distance freight trains and shorter switching operations create potential daily traffic problems at several crossings, but Crosstown is the acknowledged linchpin.
Relocation costs have been projected at $9 million or more. Officials said the federal money will help narrow choices plus refine the cost analysis.