RailRoadFan.com

MDOT wrote:November 14, 2018 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded a $1,770,000 Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category A grant to the City of Walker for safety and capacity improvements. The grant will leverage $6,300,000 in private investment, at a private/public ratio of more than 4-to-1.

Michigan-based BISSELL Homecare, Inc. is a global floorcare/homecare business headquartered in Walker. Its headquarters and cleaning solutions facility growth has been hindered by the existing Walker Avenue bridge over the Coopersville and Marne Railway. The structure is currently weight-restricted and in need of repair. Additionally, the proximity of BISSELL's sole access drive to the structure does not allow for adequate site distances for all motorists.

To improve site distances and allow unrestricted access to the BISSELL facility, the City of Walker will remove the structure and replace it with an at-grade railroad crossing. Removal of the structure and construction of the grade crossing will enable the city to widen the roadway to four lanes, allowing for increased accessibility for commercial and employee traffic.

Bridge removal was a significant factor in BISSELL's decision to renovate and repurpose their existing headquarters. While making its decision to upgrade the facility, the company worked closely with the City of Walker on addressing their site concerns. The relationship provided BISSELL the confidence to invest $6,300,000 to renovate the building, resulting in the creation of 99 new jobs.

"BISSELL has been working closely with MDOT and the City of Walker on plans for a grade level railroad crossing on Walker Avenue," said Mark Bissell, BISSELL Homecare, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer. "Our expansion plans continue to focus on our Walker facility, and we see this change as a positive step and an opportunity to create a safe environment for our associates."

The total cost of the project is $2,950,000, including $1,770,000 in TEDF Category A funding and $1,180,000 from the City of Walker.

DaveO wrote:This would be the same MDOT that has for years been insisting on communities closing rail crossings to improve safety?

Improving sight distance? That's going to be interesting as basically the track is in a cut and the road takes a level path above. See the Street View https://goo.gl/maps/DM3KeDu7tcA2 . So to get it down to track level is going to require some major cutting. Cuts tend to cause sight line issues, not improve them.

Saturnalia wrote:

DaveO wrote:But, with only about 100 trains per year using the railroad, that won't be much of an issue.

DaveO wrote:This would be the same MDOT that has for years been insisting on communities closing rail crossings to improve safety?

Improving sight distance? That's going to be interesting as basically the track is in a cut and the road takes a level path above. See the Street View https://goo.gl/maps/DM3KeDu7tcA2 . So to get it down to track level is going to require some major cutting. Cuts tend to cause sight line issues, not improve them.

Raildudes dad wrote:The RR has insisted on raising the RR grade at a minimum of 8 feet to ensure good sight distance.

NS3322 wrote:

Saturnalia wrote:

DaveO wrote:But, with only about 100 trains per year using the railroad, that won't be much of an issue.

They run that many!?

NS3322 wrote:

Saturnalia wrote:

DaveO wrote:But, with only about 100 trains per year using the railroad, that won't be much of an issue.

They run that many!?

Schteinkuh wrote:Not including extra moves, we're well over 100 (east and west) trips on the year so far. Maybe 130-140?

NS3322 wrote:

Schteinkuh wrote:Not including extra moves, we're well over 100 (east and west) trips on the year so far. Maybe 130-140?

Wow, that is awesome to hear! That much lumber is being shipped out? Or is there a new customer I am unaware of?