Republic opposes MoDOT’s plan to close Farm Road 93 without changes to MM

On April 5, 2018, MoDOT held a meeting at the Republic Community Center to let the public see their five proposals to make the railway corridor in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway’s Cherokee Subdivision between Republic and Marionville safer for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Recently, MoDOT revealed their choice of plans to make the railway safer.
“This track is a key artery in the railroad’s network and carries a large volume of freight between the ports of California and the southeastern states. It is one of the busiest rail lines in the state,” said Mike Landis, public information officer for the City of Republic. “The railroad, city, and state agree it is everyone’s best interest to make grade crossings as safe as possible. That can be accomplished through several means, including upgrading crossing signal systems, constructing overpasses, or closing or consolidating certain crossings.”
Landis said the price tag for MoDOT’s proposed crossing projects is $5.2 million, and most of the funding has already been secured.
“Late last month, (MODOT) announced it has been awarded a grant from the federal government to help with the costs,” Landis said. “This grant, which is coming from the Federal Railroad Administration, will cover 50-percent of the tab. In addition, BNSF Railway says it will contribute $975,000; meaning all but $1.6 million will have been secured.” He added that no city money would go towards the project.
Landis described the plan MoDOT favors.
“As we were previously made aware,” said Landis, “MoDOT says it prefers (a plan) in the railroad crossing study which includes pedestrian crossing features on Main Avenue; the construction of security fencing between Hampton and Hines; a pedestrian under-crossing at the current Highway 174 underpass; and the closure of Farm Road 93. Nothing is planned for MM.”
Landis said the city supported an earlier plan proposed by MoDOT which called for an overpass at MM, but then MoDOT announced it favored the plan without the overpass. This has caused a disagreement between MoDOT and the city.
 “Initially, a proposal called for the construction of an overpass at MM with the concession of closing the Farm Road 93 crossing (adjacent to Oakwood Ave at U.S. 60 by Republic Ford),” he said. “The city expressed its support for that idea. However, the alternative (the new plan) removes the MM overpass while still calling for the closure of Farm Road 93. After MoDOT announced its preference for that plan, the city rescinded its support for the idea and expressed opposition to closing Farm Road 93 without changes to MM.”
Landis stated MoDOT plans to try and find an acceptable arrangement with Republic.
“MoDOT has stated it wants to work with the communities to address concerns, and plans to meet with city leaders in the coming weeks to discuss the options for Farm Road 93,” he said. “On the other projects, engineers hope to start design work very soon and construction could begin next year.”