Elkhart receives major federal grant for $51M Hively overpass project
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The city of Elkhart has received the largest federal grant in the city’s history from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.
The $51 million Hively Avenue overpass project seeks to address up to 3.5 hours of traffic delays caused by about 75 trains that pass through the Hively Avenue Crossing on a daily basis, the city said. The project received $19.8 million in funding from the Federal Railroad Administration.
The project will see two at-grade crossings close and replace one crossing with a grade separation over Norfolk Southern’s triple-tracked Chicago Line.
“This grant will allow us to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve the efficient movement of people and goods throughout Elkhart,” Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson said in an email. “Emergency vehicles will benefit greatly from the improved east-west access on Hively Avenue, ensuring quicker response times and better service for our residents.”
In addition to the federal grant, the Indiana Department of Transportation will contribute $12.75 million, and the city of Elkhart will provide between $10 to $12 million.
Approved for final design and construction, the project aligned with the selection criteria by enhancing safety and improving mobility. The city of Elkhart and the state of Indiana will contribute the 33% non-Federal match.
Plans call for an overpass to span the railroad tracks, Main Street, and Sterling Avenue/Hammond Street, increasing safety, reducing disruptions in rail logistics and increasing operational efficiency by enabling nearly six miles of triple track, according to the city.
The grant will also help fund the Hively Avenue Local Trax project to improve community safety, reduce congestion and wait times and promote the efficient movement of people and goods.
A first-of-its-kind state initiative, Local Trax provides grants to cities, towns and counties for grade separation, crossing closure and other safety enhancement projects at highway-rail intersections on local roads. With funds supporting 100% of design fees available to municipalities across the state, Indiana has disbursed over $125 million for 12 projects so far.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the mission of ASPIRE Elkhart and its tagline, ‘Tomorrow’s Elkhart, Starting Today,’” Roberson said. “By investing in critical infrastructure improvements, we are laying the groundwork for a more promising and prosperous future for our city.”
The overpass will also integrate with existing local and regional trail networks, including the Maple Heart Trail and Elkhart River Greenway, promoting improved regional connectivity.
“The commitment to this project has demonstrated the power of local partnerships in achieving transformative goals,” Roberson added. “The advancements made possible by this grant will directly contribute to the vision of ASPIRE Elkhart, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
The Michiana Area Council of Governments was also awarded up to $1 million for project planning and development to support grade crossing-related improvements in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties on Norfolk Southern-owned infrastructure. St. Joseph County will contribute the 20% non-federal match.