Train, Birmingham — Blocked train crossing. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Thanks to a new federal grant, Birmingham and surrounding communities are making progress in correcting many of its train crossing issues.

Last week, the Birmingham City Council authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Trussville, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Birmingham to undertake a project that will close at-grade railroad crossings and alleviate blocked crossings from Woodlawn into Trussville.

Matching funds from the communities and the rail transportation company made the $8 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements “CRISI” Grant possible.

Birmingham built around the railroad

Trains through downtown Birmingham.(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

“The city of Birmingham grew up around the railroad. We’re proud of that history and thankful for all of the prosperity that the railroads enabled.

We’re embarking on this project to hopefully restore connectivity across Birmingham. This is the first phase of what we hope is a much larger long-term initiative.”
Darrell O’Quinn, President, Birmingham City Council

According to O’Quinn, who also heads the Council’s Transporation Committee, the grant will plan and look at ways to replace or eliminate several crossings at 56th Street, 57th Street, 59th Street, Antwerp and Brussels Avenue. They will also explore an initiative to connect the Oak Ridge Park neighborhood and the Gate City neighborhood.

Five years to complete the project

Fixing the train crossing issue in Birmingham and Trussville is not an easy task. It could take up to five years to complete.

“It’s a big step in the right direction, but I don’t want anybody to have the misconception this is going to be a near-term fix. There’s a lot of lead work that has to be done.”
Darrell O’Quinn, President, Birmingham City Council

O’Quinn listed the work that needs to be done:

Traffic studies
Geotechnical work
Environmental remediation
Community engagement

He also told Bham Now that the project should be going out for bid here any day now and that work has begun to submit a $2 million grant to fix the Western part of Birmingham that has been plagued by train crossing problems.

Have you experienced train crossing problems in Birmingham and Trussville? What do you think of the project addressing the issue? Let us know by tagging @bhamnow on Instagram!