4th St./Rail Improvement Project - Property Owners Meeting

After six months of intensive discussions, BNSF has agreed to fund the 4th St./Rail Improvement project, including costs that would traditionally be the City's, or property owners responsibilities.  (Except for what may be offset by grants that have been filed.)

The first meeting with property owners will be held on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00pm at the Harrisburg Municipal Center, located at 354 Smith St.  A postcard with a 'save the date' was sent on August 5th, and a letter to each property owner was direct mailed between Sept 1 and Sept 3.  During this meeting, property owners will have an opportunity to see how the proposed improvements might affect owners property.  BNSF representatives, City Officials, and City employees/contracted employees will be at this meeting. 

In order to improve safety, and to help be more eligible for grants, the project includes shutting the crossings at Fountain St., Schooling St., and Macy St.  The crossings at Territorial, LaSalle, Smith, and Moore St, will remain.  This street/rail design was adopted by the City of Harrisburg in 2017, and was particularly chosen due to the section of 4th St. between Territorial St. and Smith St.   It has never needed maintenance, despite being there since the mid-sixties.  

We will provide information that applies to everyone there, such as fixing safety problems, closing crossings,  and otherwise re-establishing City's right-of-way, and how it will affect each property owner.  Some properties currently use portions of the City's right-of-way along 4th St; in most cases, with lawns, parking, driveways, or other purposes.  The City understands that these kinds of changes raise concerns; the City is committed to working with each affected property owner to minimize impacts wherever possible.  Utilities will also be moved during this project, and in particular, power poles on 4th St.  Where significant property impacts occur as a result of the project, necessary improvements will be completed at no cost to the property owner. 

The City's goal is to complete this project in a way that improves safety, provides a long-term solution for 4th St., and treats affected property owners fairly and respectfully.  We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work towards this important improvement for our community.   

This project will make 4th St. safer for all community members!