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Truck route issue back in news

And the truck parking issue raises its head again.

With the closing of a railroad crossing on Burbridge Road, which intersects with Grant Street in Jex Addition, truck drivers no longer will be able to use an alternate route to reach a truck parking lot.

Marion City Council was told Monday that Union Pacific will increase the speed of its trains on the track that goes through Marion from 40 mph to 49 mph. With the increased speed and poor visibility at the Burbridge crossing, railroad officials decided to close that crossing. However, a railroad official is supposed to come to the next council meeting, Feb. 25, to negotiate the closing.

There was much concern and protest when Darryl Brewer opened a truck parking lot at the south end of Grant Street. As a way to pacify residents, the city determined that the large trucks and trailers would have to use Burbridge Road and that railroad crossing instead of Grant Street.

Now with the railroad crossing closing, new concerns have arisen regarding truck traffic on Grant Street.

Scot Williams, a resident on Grant Street, spoke to the council about his concerns of truck traffic on the street. He was concerned about the safety of residents and the condition of the street after truck traffic is allowed on it.

Part of the negotiations could include a new street overlay on Grant Street for truck traffic but no mention was made of the safety concern.

It also was mentioned that train traffic could increase nearly 10 times with more than 50 trains per day using that track.

Union Pacific crews replaced the track between Herington and Peabody to enable more trains to travel at a higher rate of speed.

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