The nation’s most congested freight intersection is located at the northeast corner of our district. This intersection of national freight lines is known as Tower 55. Congestion at Tower 55 has become a major issue with local, regional, and national impacts. Private railroads Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe are working with public agencies to find a solution.

Short-term solutions include additional tracks and the elimination of several at grade crossings, among other improvements. Long-term solutions being studied include a grade-separated crossing in the vicinity of the existing Tower 55, and/or an outer ring that would take most non-local trains outside of the central city. A grade-separated crossing would include a trench, either oriented north-south or east-west.

FWSI and other community groups support the short-term at-grade solutions but we have been outspoken in opposition to a proposed east-west trench. The east-west trench being studied would wipe out development on the north side of Vickery and would have a significant negative impact on Downtown connectivity.

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Parks / Streets / Transit