Galesburg City Council members tonight will consider a reapplication for federal funding to plan major safety and mobility improvements at the South Street railroad underpass — a long-term project the city has pursued through previous grant cycles. City Manager Eric Hanson previewed the full agenda today on Galesburg’s Morning News.
Hanson highlighted the South Street project as a priority. The resolution commits local funds for a Federal-State Partnership grant application through the Federal Railroad Administration. The planning study aims to enhance safety and mobility near the Amtrak station, potentially closing the Mulberry Street crossing and replacing the underpass to eliminate height restrictions for emergency vehicles and trucks. The city’s previous applications in 2024 and 2025 scored high but weren’t funded, and this reapplication expands the scope to include preliminary engineering and a full environmental assessment. If awarded, the grant would cover 80% of the $3.65 million planning cost, with the city and BNSF splitting the 20% match (city share $365,000 from Utility Tax Fund).
Previously: Galesburg seeks second federal grant as initial step to replace South Street underpass. Here’s the plan
Traffic safety ordinances include new stop signs at Highland Avenue and North Street, and Marston Avenue and North Street (final reading), and a first-reading proposal to prohibit parking on the east side of Willard Street from Fifer Street to Yates Street during school hours to reduce congestion near Silas Willard Elementary.
The council will also consider a redeveloper agreement with Judy’s Kitchen LLC for 51 N. Prairie St. The $118,542.65 project would convert seating area into a public-facing kitchen for pancake production and live demonstrations, with a TIF incentive not to exceed $17,781.40. Hanson said the project is expected to create 5-7 full-time and 6-8 part-time jobs while boosting downtown vitality. (See WGIL’s earlier story on the Judy’s Kitchen TIF request.)
Hanson also discussed broader 2026 priorities, including the Lake Storey trail system development (phase one starting spring), park upgrades, and the search for an in-house city attorney to reduce long-term costs.