COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Redevelopment Commission heard representatives from American Structurepoint, an engineering consultant company from Indianapolis, talk Monday about the impact of increased train traffic. The presentation included a study on six intersections that carry more than 60,000 commuters, 1,900 delivery trucks, 132 transit buses, eight police calls and at least three emergency medical runs per day.
The estimated economic impact of current train traffic is about $4 million per year and lost wages of about $900,000. When traffic increases to projected levels, the impact soars to $34.4 million annually and lost wages of about $7.8 million. Additionally, time lost by commuters and business increases sharply as well.
The railroad company will not be able to increase train traffic until two major bridge projects are completed. Officials say those projects are expected to be finished in 2018.
American Structurepoint engineers came up with four alternatives to mitigate congestion. The alternatives include realigning the railroad track, elevated roadways, realigned roadways, and partially elevated crossings. No cost estimates were available during the presentation.
