Plans for tracking trains sound ideas

Columbus has a long-term solution in the works to address an anticipated increase in train traffic on the city’s west side: An overpass. Now it seems to have good ideas for short-term solutions., too.

Faster and heavier Louisville & Indiana Railroad freight trains are expected starting later this year along an improved CSX rail line from Indianapolis to Seymour that cuts through Columbus’ west-side downtown entrance, at the intersection of State Roads 46 and 11. More and longer traffic delays are expected as a result of increased train traffic.

The long-term solution the city reached last year is a $30 million overpass at the intersection. The state has agreed to pay half the cost, while other partners — the city, Bartholomew County, Cummins Inc. and the Louisville & Indiana and CSX railroads — will cover the other half. Initial construction is expected to begin in 2019.

That, of course, is good news.

So is the fact that the city is working with a local cable provider and a local college on ways to track train traffic.

Video cameras would be positioned at three intersections that lead into Columbus: State Roads 46 and 11, County Road 450S and State Road 11, and County Road 950S in Jonesville. Comcast would provide continuous video feeds to the Bartholomew County 911 Emergency Operation Center in Columbus.

The video fees would help dispatchers avoid directing first responders into the path of train traffic and delays, which is critical in emergency situations.

The city also is working with Purdue Polytechnic students to create an app or text system to alert residents about train traffic based off the video feed.

Many emergency situations on the west side will arise before the overpass is completed, and having a plan on how first responders can avoid train delays in those situations is critical.

Also, any information that can help motorists avoid delays — and the associated headaches — will be appreciated, too.

These ideas represent a good use of local resources and sound temporary solutions.

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