Highway 26 railroad crossing hearing Wednesday

By Steve Sharp of the Daily Times staff
Friday, August 22, 2008 10:01 PM CDT

JEFFERSON - After being postponed in late June due to area flooding, a hearing has been rescheduled for Wednesday regarding a petition of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for alteration and exemption of a public crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. tracks with state Highway 26 just south of Johnson Creek.

The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. at Jefferson County Courthouse in Room 202.

On Feb. 15, a hearing examiner issued a proposed decision on the matter that, among other things, recommended the state's commissioner of railroads approve the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's proposal for the alteration of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. (UP) tracks with Highway 26 in the town of Aztalan. The Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR) received numerous comments opposing the proposed decision in respect to the highway crossing. Those making the comments supported a grade-separated crossing.

As a result, the commissioner ordered another hearing to be conducted. This hearing will be limited to the issue of whether to construct a grade-separated crossing on state Highway 26 in the town of Aztalan.

The concerns to be discussed at the hearing will address the question of whether or not construction of a grade-separated crossing of state Highway 26 is warranted by concerns about public safety, convenience and cost. A second issue is based on the question, “If a grade-separated crossing is warranted, how shall the cost of the grade-separated crossing construction be apportioned?” The DOT has the burden of proof on all issues.

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Disabled individuals wishing to attend the hearing may call (608) 266-9536, (608) 267-1479/TTY, or fax (608) 261-8220 to arrange accommodations for the meeting, which is on the second floor of the courthouse.

The public may direct any questions on the matter to the OCR staff at (608) 266-7607.