Mount Camel BMA discuss options for widening railroad underpass

The Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen is ready to begin the process of seeking funding and support from state and federal authorities to widen the single-lane railroad underpass on Hammond Avenue.

City Recorder Emily Wood told the BMA at its April 25 meeting that she called Norfolk Southern Railroad prior to the April 25 meeting asking what it would take to widen the underpass.

The single-lane underpass has been an ongoing safety concern and traffic flow hindrance.

Wood reported that Mount Carmel would have to pay up to $20,000 for a preliminary engineering study just to see if such a widening project is feasible. The overall project could cost as much as $10 million.

Vice Mayor Tresa Mawk said she had been calling different parties, such as State Sen. Jon Lundberg and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.

Mawk suggested that project may be TDOT’s responsibility.

Alderman John Gibson noted that any potential TDOT funding would likely go towards the bridge on Goshen Valley Road.

Mayor Pat Stilwell asked Mawk to continue calling and gathering information.

“We just need to keep on and on and on,” Mayor Stilwell said.

“If we whine and talk enough, somebody will get tired of us and put it on the to-do list,” Mawk added.

The board voted 7-0 to table discussions on how the Hammond Avenue underpass can be widened.