Savannah Takes Action on a Frustrating Railroad Crossing
In the vibrant city of Savannah, there’s a pesky little problem that many residents are all too familiar with—the railroad crossing at President Street and Truman Parkway. This crossing has become notorious among commuters, causing significant delays for those traveling to and from Chatham County’s eastern islands. Train traffic at this crossing is primarily due to freight trains that service industries along the Savannah River. It’s a situation that has prompted both the Chatham County and Savannah governments to take a closer look at how they can alleviate the frustrations of their citizens.
A Shared Goal for Improvement
In a collaborative effort, the local governments have partnered with the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to study the possibilities of eliminating this troublesome crossing altogether. This initiative aims to discover solutions that can help reduce the frequent disruptions caused by the trains moving back and forth, particularly while they’re loading or unloading cargo or switching tracks. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson weighed in at a recent press conference, expressing the sentiment that many residents feel: “This has to change.” He went on to discuss how the inconvenience of being stuck waiting for a train is an everyday issue that nobody should have to deal with.
Community Engagement on the Horizon
To ensure that residents have a voice in the decision-making process, there will be two public meetings held where community members can come and share their thoughts. The first meeting is set for September 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Frank Murray Community Center on Wilmington Island. The second meeting will be hosted downtown at the Mendonsa Hearing Room on September 18, also from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. These meetings will give residents an opportunity to discuss the real issues created by the President Street crossing and express their preferences for alternatives.
Studying Current and Future Needs
The upcoming study will take into account a range of factors, including current and future traffic patterns. This includes considerations for freight transport, commuter traffic, local vehicle flow, as well as provisions for bicycles and pedestrians. Since the industrial regions east of Truman Parkway are expected to grow, the project also aims to address potential increases in traffic in the upcoming years. All of this data will help create a comprehensive understanding of how this crossing impacts the community.
What’s Next?
The final outcome of this study will be crucial; it will produce a project justification statement, preferred alternatives, and cost estimates. This information is not only important for planning but is also necessary for preliminary engineering and constructing a detailed concept report. A well-structured plan could pave the way to apply for various grant programs, including the Federal Railroad Administration’s At-Grade Crossing Elimination Program.
Safety Concerns and Commute Challenges
Mayor Johnson also raised an important point about public safety concerns. If police or ambulances are unable to cross due to a train blocking the way, essential services could be hindered at critical moments. As if that’s not enough, the delays created by the trains often lead to frustrated commuters who find themselves running late for work. “That should not be a fact of life here in Savannah,” Johnson emphasized passionately, highlighting the urgent need for change.
As we await the public meetings and the results of the study, it’s clear that Savannah is committed to finding a solution to this problem. Hopefully, with community involvement and better planning, the day will come when commuters can breeze through the city without the frustration of waiting for a train at President Street.
