Due to logistics in scheduling, as the railroads prepare for reconstruction at the Capital SW and Elm Street crossings, the work and closure dates have changed.
At this time, project dates are scheduled as follows:
Capital Avenue SW will be closed at the tracks for two weeks during reconstruction – Aug. 27 to Sept. 7.
Elm Street also will be closed at the tracks for two weeks – Sept. 10 to 24.
Both crossings are part of Battle Creek’s railroad quiet zone, three miles of track through downtown on which trains are not required to sound routine horns as they approach city street crossings. Safety upgrades at the crossings took place to allow for this.
However, train engineers are required to sound horns when workers are present.
For these crossing projects, workers currently are unloading materials, and performing other work to prepare for the road closures and crossing reconstruction. Those in the areas of the crossings can expect workers at both locations from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, until the projects are complete.
The two projects were accepted as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Rail new Local Grade Crossing Surface Program. They represent a more-than $540,000 investment in the City of Battle Creek – 60 percent by the state Office of Rail, and 40 percent by the railroads. No city funds will be used for these improvements.
As the construction dates near, the city will release detour routes, and any other updated information on these projects.