The Columbus Redevelopment Commission heard from its consultant Monday night on the possible steps the city could take to ease the coming traffic delays associated with a marked increase in train traffic. John Dorenbush, a member of the Redevelopment Commission who also serves on the Railroad Community Committee, says work on the rail line to accommodate this increased traffic continues. He explains that a bridge will need to be replaced before the full impact of the increased train traffic will be felt…

The good news for drivers, says Dorenbush, is that the replacement of bridge that would allow double-stacked cars won’t be finished until late 2018. He explains that means the full impact of the increased train-traffic won’t be felt until then.

As for addressing the traffic problems that will accompany the increased train traffic, Jason O’Neal, with Policy Analytics, explained that there are two options likely to be looked favorable upon by INDOT for it to provide possible help with the project. The first one…

The other possibility…

The Redevelopment Commission took no action during Monday night’s meeting. Dorenbush noted that they were waiting on cost estimates before taking further action.

The Redevelopment Commission also approved a resolution to engage the services of TD Advertising to help the city with communicating the status of the railroad project and expected effects on vehicle traffic. Heather Pope, the city’s Redevelopment Director, explained that TD Advertising would be tasked with creating and maintaining a website that would be easily accessible be those who live and work in Columbus, keeping them appraised of developments on the railroad situation. The contract, approved unanimously, is being paid on a per-hour basis and is not to exceed $22,500 for a one-year period.