Chatham County Advances President Street Railroad Crossing Project

News Summary

Chatham County has chosen a preferred alternative for the President Street railroad crossing project, aiming to eliminate traffic delays caused by the crossing. The selected plan involves constructing a bridge over the tracks with an estimated budget of $80 million. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort to enhance traffic flow for commuters and is expected to significantly reduce delays caused by trains. Local residents are encouraged to engage with ongoing historical preservation efforts alongside this important infrastructure project.

Chatham County Chooses Path Forward for President Street Railroad Crossing Project

Chatham County, a bustling hub known for its vibrant community and rich history, recently held an engaging open house regarding the much-anticipated President Street railroad crossing elimination project. This project is a direct response to studies that kicked off back in September 2024 to address the longstanding issues of traffic delays caused by the current railroad crossing.

The Road Options Unveiled

At the open house, attendees were introduced to a preferred alternative among three proposed options. These options had been shared with the public in previous meetings, inviting input and feedback. Here’s a quick rundown of the choices:

• Option 1: This plan suggests adding an additional westbound lane on Truman Parkway. It’s viewed as a short-term solution.
• Option 2: This option involves connecting President Street to Truman Parkway by constructing a route over the railroad tracks.
• Option 3: The selected preferred alternative is a bridge that will soar over the railroad tracks and gently descend before reaching the Truman Parkway overpass.

Cost and Considerations

The cost of carrying out Option 3 is estimated at a more budget-friendly $80 million. In comparison, Option 2 comes in at a heftier $124 million. When selecting this innovative alternative, the team also considered future maintenance costs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the overall expenses.

If you wondered about the immediate fix, Option 1 is on the table at approximately $2 million, which could take around three to five years to put in place once funding is gathered. While that means some time to wait, officials have assured residents that even during construction, current traffic flow will be maintained. Complete road closures are not on the agenda.

Why the Change is Necessary

The hope is that by eliminating the railroad crossing, Chatham County will see a dramatic decrease in those frustrating traffic delays caused by obstructive trains, which can back up traffic for up to 25 minutes during off-peak hours. With these alternatives in mind, the project promises to bring much-needed relief to daily commuters.

Together for a Better Future

The entire project is a collaborative effort between local governments and the Georgia Department of Transportation. They’ve identified a range of funding sources, including federal grants and loans, to make this vital project come to fruition.

Historical Preservation Efforts

$30 million to $60 million.

For those interested in diving deeper into the rich history of Savannah’s preservation movement, mark your calendars! The next Historic Savannah Foundation lecture is set for March 20, featuring an intriguing topic titled “Legacy of HSF’s Seven Ladies.”

As Chatham County gears up for this significant project, it looks forward to enhancing the quality of life for its residents, making everyday commutes smoother, and preserving the charm of this remarkable region!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: President Street Rail Crossing Design Selected
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Railroad Crossing
• WTOC: Study on President Street Crossing
• Google Search: President Street railroad crossing
• WSAV: East President Street Railroad Crossing Elimination
• Google Scholar: Traffic delays railroad crossing
• Savannah Business Journal: President Street Crossing Study Results
• Google News: Chatham County railroad crossing project