Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Aldermen Tuesday will be asked to approve a feasibility study for the 19th Street rail corridor.

Ald. Ralph Hanauer questioned Mike Mendenhall of Hanson Professional Services at the past committee of the whole meeting.

Hanauer: “Will we be getting an updated cost analysis as well?”
Mendenhall: “Yes, as part of the overall study for 19th Street there will be an updated cost analysis.”
Hanauer: “Whether we remove it or whether we keep the tracks or whatever?”
Mendenhall: “Yes, for all the different options that we will look at.”
Hanauer: “That’s good to know. And will it also look at possible grants, or is that down the road?”
Mendenhall: “Yes, as part of the overall feasibility study we are going to look at different options of funding.”

Mayor Misty Buscher said train traffic in that corridor has plummeted, from four trains per day in 2010 to two now. What’s more, a projection for up to nine trains per day by 2030 more train tracks was incorrect.

“In 2027, the Kincaid power plant is scheduled to be closed,” said the mayor. “If that continues on its time frame through state legislation, then there would be one train a day on this track on 19th St, so very different than the old study. Therefore, the new study is really needed to see what cost benefit is there to the community on what we should do with these tracks.”

The study would cost $100,000.