The City of Elkhart received a $19 million federal grant for the Hively Avenue Local Trax project.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.
According to Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, it is the largest grant in the city’s history.
The Hively Avenue Local Trax project aims to improve community safety, reduce congestion and wait times and promote the efficient movement of people and goods. Elkhart's transportation network currently faces challenges due to the frequency of trains blocking the Hively Avenue crossing. Approximately 75 trains move over the line per day, blocking traffic for about 3.5 hours daily. The congestion impedes the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
The Hively Avenue Overpass project represents a solution. An overpass will be constructed to span the railroad tracks, Main Street and Sterling Avenue/Hammond Street. The initiative aims to alleviate the congestion caused by blocked crossings. The overpass will increase safety by separating automobile and foot traffic from the railroad tracks. It will also enable nearly six miles of triple track and reduce disruptions in rail logistics.
“The Hively Avenue Local Trax project is not just an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a significant step forward for our community,” Roberson said in a press release.
Local Trax is a state initiative to provide grants to cities, towns and counties for grade separation, crossing closure and safety projects at highway-rail intersections on local roads. Through Local Trax, the state provides project development support for local communities by funding 100% of design fees. More than $125 million in state funds have been awarded for twelve projects through the program.
