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Lincoln Shutting Down Railroad Crossing As Development of High Speed Rail Continues

One local community is continuing in its development of the new Illinois High Speed Rail effort.

The High Speed Rail development was created as part of the state's stimulus efforts and Lincoln is one of the town's that will benefit from the projects. Mayor Keith Snyder explains part of the effort will create additional sidings and new fencing along the rail line that runs through the heart of the community.

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There may be some delays when the sidings and fencing is put in. Mayor Snyder explains the Lincoln City Council has initiated several initiatives that will allow for better flow at the depot, and they've also decided to close a crossing at Pekin Street, on the north side of the downtown area.

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There are seven railroad crossings within ten blocks in Lincoln. According to Mayor Snyder, Pekin Street was the least used crossing, resulting in only having to go a couple blocks down to cross the tracks. The Mayor hopes the new additions will be more inviting to visitors in the community.

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Mayor Snyder feels the end result of all the planned changes will depend on Amtrak's ability to deliver in terms on on-time performance. He says there have been issues on numerous occasions of Amtrak being behind schedule and delayed along the corridor of St. Louis to Chicago, that runs through Lincoln.

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