To Reroute? Not!
(Click on this image for a larger view)
This project will now no longer be happening. It was deemed too expensive (go figure). Some have joked that it would have been cheaper to relocate the town instead! See the links to the newspapers below for more information. Anyway, here is a look at a right of way not taken.
The BNSF had proposed rerouting the former Santa Fe mainline south of Galesburg. This would have allowed the BNSF to send and receive trains directly into the south end of the yard. Currently, trains pass through town once along the old Santa Fe, make the transfer to Burlington tracks using the Cameron connection to the west, and then return back east to enter the south end of the yard.
This would mean the removal of one set of tracks through town that we are all so familiar with. This proposal, as you can imagine, had created a lot of controversy. While the city and the railroad are in favor of this move, the farmers whose land would be "annexed" are quite against the plan.
Even without opposition, this plan would have taken years to implement. Estimates forsaw a thirty year timeframe. This whole project was subject to government funding, which involved approval from several agencies on the federal, state, and local levels. Many studies would have had to be conducted and approved. Land aquisition would have taken time as would the building of this line.
You may also wish to scan the websites of the local newspapers for additional updates and information...
I would like to mention that some other projects around the area are taking place, or will be. One is the removal of the swing span on the Mississippi River bridge. It is due to be replaced will a lift span. Another is the building of a loop track in Mendota for loading grain trains at a new elevator there. More details to follow...