The NBXpress has been endeavoring to gather information to provide the community with an accurate and complete update regarding the CSX Intermodal Project being constructed west of town. We also want to update about the construction and upgrading of area roads to handle the increased traffic it will bring when completed.

To follow is an official update that The NBXpress received via email last week from CSX Corporate Communications:

”The foundation for the crane rail is completed; the earthwork, storm sewer work, water distribution system and fuel tank foundation and containment wall are either completed or nearly completed.

More than 19,000 linear feet of perimeter fencing has installed, representing about half of that work, and eight miles of rail has been installed.

At this point, the project is on schedule for completion early in 2011.”

This is in response to a rather lengthy list of questions that I had emailed in early January. Several of the questions concerned numbers and statistics; such has how much chain link fence has been installed, how much earth was moved and similar nuts and bolts type questions. Included were questions concerning the overpass over the Main Line and proposed SR 18 Connector (by-pass), as well as possible development that might follow the construction. Bob Sullivan, with CSX Corporate Communications, who sent the answers, has suggested that I direct the questions regarding “highways should be directed to the state.”

The NBXpress emailed Mike Ligibel ODOT District 2 Planning & Programs Administrator with questions regarding the SR 18 Connector, his prompt response: “We have submitted an application to the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) for funding the relocation of portions of SR 18. We have not received any information on how our application ranked or when or if we will receive any funding to begin the study. We have a very thorough process for evaluating projects like this. If the study receives funding, we will look at several alternatives. No limits have been established. Establishing formal boundaries would be part of the study. The entire process has multiple public input opportunities. The public would have the opportunity to comment on ideas we have come up with as well as make their own suggestions. Until the study is funded we will not develop any alternatives nor do any other work on the potential project. The process takes several years to accomplish; again, nothing will occur unless/until we are funded.”

Mr. Ligibel also told The NBXpress that the Wood County Engineer and CSX would be the parties involved in the construction of the overpass, which appears to be planned to span the track at Liberty High Road. ODOT does have some requirements for the construction that pertains to the tie in of the new roadway at Start Route 18 that would require state approval of the plans.

There will be additional stories posted over the next couple of days regarding this project. Please continue to check back for updates.