Billings, Mont., will decide between two options to fix troubled railroad crossing

A view of the overpass option in downtown Billings.

The Montana Department of Transportation held a virtual public meeting about construction options on the railroad crossing at 27^th Street in Billings, Mont. Officials will be deciding between either an overpass or a tunnel to address traffic issues.

Many at the meeting asked why the railroad could not be the one moved, but studies revealed moving it would sever most or all the rail spurs that connect downtown and industrial businesses to the railroad. Montana Rail Link owns the rail line.

A railroad overpass would cost about $40 million and would keep cross streets on 27^th Street more connected. The overpass would begin on the south side of the intersection at North 27^th Street and Second Avenue North and end on the south end of the railroad tracks. The present turn lanes would be preserved with the overpass, but there are some sight line issues.

A property on the southwest corner of Second Avenue North and North 27^th Street is one obstacle to the overpass option. Access would have to be maintained to the building and the sidewalk would need to be constructed at the same level as the street.

An aesthetics committee is being assembled to see what could be done aesthetically about the overpass option.

The tunnel alternative could cost as much as $85 million. It would begin at the intersection of First Avenue South and South 27^th Street and would reach street level on North 27^th Street between Second and Third Avenues North. Access to 27^th Street intersections would be maintained at First Avenue South, Montana Avenue and First Avenue North.

Both options would be able to accommodate pedestrian and bike traffic, but the tunnel design offers more to those walking and/or pedaling.

A preliminary design could begin in 2021, and construction could take two construction seasons.

Read more articles on railroad bridges/tunnels.