KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It can be frustrating to get stuck at a train crossing in downtown Kalamazoo watching a freight train go back and forth as it drops off cars, while you waste gas, time and miss appointments.
A long-term plan to eliminate those disruptions will go before Kalamazoo city commissioners tonight as they are expected to accept over $3.2-million in state and federal transportation grants.
City Manager Malcolm Hankins says delays for drivers can be up to 30 minutes because freight trains headed south from Grand Rapids all come through the downtown to get to the switchyards on the east side of the city.
He says it was designed in the 1800’s when there were a lot fewer roads and the trains were a lot shorter.
This new money is just planning grants to figure out how to accomplish rerouting the rails and eliminating crossings.
Actual implementation could take years and millions more to accomplish, and that’s if it’s possible.
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