Work on safety upgrades and modifications at 10 downtown grade crossings is set to begin in September, according to officials. Earlier this month, the council agreed to pay M.J. Daly Construction of Burlington $307,498 to complete the work.

The city's quiet-zone plan includes installing 100-foot medians on both sides of the Main Street grade crossing, with a channelization island on Market Street. Safety upgrades at the Jefferson/Hawkeye streets crossing includes a 100-foot and two 60-foot medians. At Lucas Avenue, it will be a 100-foot median, with crossings at Third, Seventh and Eighth streets are slated to be closed

Medians will be installed at crossings at Fourth and Fifth streets, and two 60-foot medians are needed at the Valley Street crossing. In addition, the east vehicle gate on South Street near the sewage treatment plant will be relocated.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by late November, according to Public Works Director Ron Knoke, weather permitting.

After the work is finished, the Federal Railroad Administration will review the modifications. Knoke said he is confident the FRA will grant the city quiet zone status based on a reduced safety threshold. Once established, locomotive horns will not have to be routinely sounded.

Money from the downtown tax increment financing district, sales tax revenue and general obligation bonds will be used to pay for the project.