Community input sessions have concluded in Emporia; however, the work to identify the full scope of safety improvements to local railways is far from over.
Wednesday and Thursday, residents were provided an opportunity to meet with members of the project team that will be handling the improvement project that will stretch from State to Weaver Streets and share their most pressing concerns and desires with said team. This included Emporia City Engineer Jim Ubert, who says the project already has several core issues identified, with the community input meant to help provide clarity or, at least, some insight into how best to address those core issues.
Ubert noted during his comments to KVOE News that it’s not only residential input that is important for developing a project of this size, but that it will also have impacts on major employers.
When asked what these types of projects typically look like in terms of scope and time, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Manager of Public Infrastructure and Investments Jeremy Wegner stated there are many ways it can be approached and varying lengths of completion; however, he believes a phased approach may be the best path forward for the City of Emporia.
Wegener did note he was “projecting forward” with his comments, adding there is no definite start or end line in sight at this time as they are still deep in the “study phase” of the project.
Kansas Department of Transportation Engineer Steve Baalman followed Wegener’s comments by noting there can be no definite answers to the size or length of the project without the securing of funding for future phases of the project.
To understand the level of funding they will need, Baalman stated that the information they now have in hand will help when it comes to the design phase, noting the importance of aligning the project team’s goals with those of the community.
For more information on the project as it continues to progress, visit CorridorSafetyImprovements.com.
