The city of Elkhart has received nearly $16 million from the Indiana Department of Transportation's Local Trax Program to construct a railroad overpass at Hively Avenue.

The overpass will reduce travel time and improve safety for drivers.

The city says since 2001, it has reduced the number of direct railroad crossings to less than 12,000 a day and once this project is finished, the number will be reduced to just 4,000 a day.

INDOT's grant will fund 100 percent of the design and inspection as well as 75-percent of the cost of right of way and construction.

The city will pay $4 million to cover the final 25-percent of construction costs.

Construction could begin in 2021.

Before construction begins, the city will hold public events so residents can review the plans for the project.