New Marion overpass could become reality

New Marion overpass could become reality

Voters will decide bond issue for long- planned roadway in March

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marion may be closer than ever to building a long planned railroad overpass, but will need the help of the voters in order to do it.

Voters will have an opportunity in March to decide whether or not to extend an existing one cent sales tax to pay for the project.

The city wants to retire some existing debt and refinance the remaining bonds for another 30 years which will generate an additional $16 million for capital improvement projects throughout the city.

The bonds were issued in the early 1980s and voters in the past have approved similar proposals to extend the tax, the last time in 2006 for $9 million.

“The focus is on the overpass,” said Mayor Frank Fogleman.

The cost to build a four lane overpass over the Burlington- Northern Railroad tracks is estimated to be about $10-15 million.

The overpass will provide relief to residents who live on the east side of the tracks in neighborhoods like River Trace and Delta Acres who frequently have to wait and stack up at the busy railroad crossing.

Plans call for the overpass to be built next to the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery by extending L.H. Polk from Highway 77 to Military Road.

“There will be some public comment on this, but the engineering firm has given us some choices,” Fogleman said. “One of those is for a two lane road to a four lane overpass.”

The federal government has earmarked $5 million for the project leaving the city to come up with the additional $10 to $11 million for its share.

Fogleman said they won’t know how much the overpass will cost until they put it out to bid.

However, if voters approve extending the tax, the city will at least have the money to tell the engineering firm to proceed.

“We have to work hand and glove with the highway department, but when they see that we have the money to make up the difference we can bid it and get solid commitments to do the job,” Fogleman said.

Voters will get to vote on seven separate items. Although the bulk of the $16 million will go toward road projects, the city also plans to use the money on other capital projects such as a new Fire Station No. 1 and possibly a new Water Department office.

Fogleman said this is the closest the city has ever been to making the overpass happen.

“It’s ultimately up to the voters,” Fogleman said. “If it passes we will move forward. But I can’t promise you that in six months or 18 months that you can drive over it.”

By Mark Randall