The City of Crawfordsville welcomed the public to the first in a series of informational open houses Tuesday evening discussing preliminary concepts to replace the railroad crossing on Market Street. Dozens packed the Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy at 2255 Phil Ward Blvd. to see designs and provide feedback on them. According to an infographic presented at the open house, the railroad crossing alone is blocked by train traffic at least 25 minutes per day, causing headaches for commuters and hazards for first responders.
Joining the City of Crawfordsville was Indianapolis-based firm HWC Engineering, who was hired to come up with the designs presented. Representatives from the firm were there to help organize the open house and answer questions.
The project is currently in the environmental study and design phase. During this period, designs will not be finalized. Three “build” designs and one “no build” designs will be considered. An environmental document is expected to be published in October 2026, in which another public hearing will be held. It’s expected to be finalized the following month in November.
In terms of the overall budget, current estimates range at around $44.5 million for planning, design, utility relocation, right-of-way, construction, and inspection. Funding for the designs showed Tuesday night were approved as part of the $1.12 million Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant the city received in 2024. Since the matching grant was 70/30, the city was responsible for $480,000. So far, funding has not been secured for final design and construction. Other elements of the grant were used for studying the area using analysis provided by engineers.
Construction is expected to last up to 2 years upon approval, which could begin as early as 2029.
According to a frequently asked questions page handed out at the open house, if a “build” alternative design is selected and approved, it may require the acquisition of neighboring land for construction. However, a concept has not been approved at this time. A public hearing has been tentatively scheduled for November 2026 to discuss the final design.
Other public open houses will be held as the project develops. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, from 6 until 7 p.m. Another has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, from 6 until 7 p.m. Both will be at the Fusion 54 building at 101 W. Main Street.
WCDQ had a chance to talk with Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton during the open house. Listen to the full interview below.
A website was established to view additional information about the project and its design process as it develops. It can be viewed by clicking or tapping here.
