Overpass project in Concord Township is already underway

CONCORD TOWNSHIP- Ind.- Delayed and stalled trains in Concord Township aren’t just causing headaches for drivers anymore. Now, they’re posing a threat to first responders.

There have been talks about an overpass coming to the area. In fact, County Commissioner Mike Yoder says the process is already underway.

According to him, last year they hired an engineering firm to give them some options.

“Once we get that report and the commissioners decide on a design then we’ll move forward with acquiring financing,” says Yoder.

The overpass in Concord Township was part of a ten year highway plan, back when Yoder was first elected, 14 years ago.

“The recession hit and we had to peel back projects and this was one of the first ones to go, unfortunately.”

ABC57 then asked why this project was on the lower side of priorities. “It was simply a lot of money that we didn’t have,” Yoder responded.

Yoder now says he feels more comfortable on where they stand, financially.

“The state has just offered some additional moneys for overpasses and grade separation, so we’re going to attempt to apply for those moneys.”

Not having an overpass creates travel safety issues, but not only that. “They had to wait for the train to cross the track and assist,” says Concord Fire Chief Richard Rochford.

Chief Rochford says the fire department starts off their 911 calls thinking about their route.

“It’s a safe assumption that we’re going to be able to cross, but at the last minute those crossing guards come down and for this we have to come up with another pathway,” he says.

It’s really a 50/50 shot, “You can never tell it can be 5 minutes, 10, 15 minutes,” says the chief, but that hasn’t slowed down their response time.

“Whichever way we are going to get there as quickly, safety as we can.”

Lynn Brandley lives just half a mile away from the tracks. He was relieved ABC57 was even doing this story.

“That’s great, people out here wanted it for so long!”

He’s been living here for 30 years and just like the chief his errands start off by thinking of a route.

“I leave 20 mins earlier, because if there’s a train we end up going half way to Goshen,” says Brandley.

Commissioner Yoder says the entire project will take about 3-4 years and will cost $13-15 million.