Report: Missouri BNSF rail overpass project slated to begin this year

A grade separation project in Monett, Missouri, that has been in planning for over a decade is only waiting on final engineering details from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin the construction bidding process. 

The FRA awarded the city a nearly $5 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant in 2022 for the Chapel Drive overpass project. The city plans to construct an overpass above existing BNSF Railway tracks. The project is designed to improve traffic flow and eliminate potentially life-threatening delays for those traveling to and from a nearby hospital, according to a report by KY3, a Springfield, Missouri, news station. 

Additionally, an Amazon facility is slated to open nearby.

The FRA grant provides funding for design and right-of-way acquisition, which have been in the works since the grant was awarded. BNSF will provide a 36.4% funding match, according to the FRA. The Missouri Department of Transportation will also contribute to the project, which has a total cost of $7.6 million, according to the news report. 

Up to 32 trains pass through the Chapel Drive crossing daily, Monett Mayor Randy Burke said in the news report. He anticipates construction starting this year. Once it begins, the crossing will be closed for up to 15 months. Monett is located about 50 miles southwest of Springfield.