The railroad safety and quiet zone project spurred the conversation about the 2nd St. Railroad crossing in Marshalltown. Previous the Union Pacific had offered the city of Marshalltown $100,000 to close the 2nd St. crossing, and the city declined the offer at that time.
Through traffic studies, the city learned that trains block that crossing an average of 6 hours a day. With some more information the city went back to the Union Pacific to find a better deal.
One thing that was discussed previously was to build a pedestrian bridge over the 2nd St. crossing
Thomas says there are stairs on the 3rd St. Viaduct near the Aquatic Center, but the city will be looking at ways to improve that for pedestrians. She wants to make them more ADA and bike friendly.
Zach Tomesch, KFJB News Director