Tupelo considers possibilities to reduce train noise and congestion

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Federal grants may be available to help ease train noise and traffic congestion at Tupelo’s busiest intersection.

Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton and representatives from Burlington Northern and Kansas City Southern Railroads took part in a brief meeting at the Crosstown intersection.

For decades, people have complained about traffic backups, and train noise at the heavily traveled intersection, at Main and Gloster.

Senator Wicker said there may be some financial help available through Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Grants, which could help move the switching area farther south, meaning trains wouldn’t have to stop at Crosstown.

“There’s really no reason why we can’t move forward with some grants and assistance from the federal government, to make our intersections safe without the blaring horns that come through at all times,” said Sen. Wicker.

“The cost is just enormous but that’s why we have these great partnerships, try to work together, apply for the grants, state and federal, hopefully, get those financial resources to help,” Mayor Shelton said.

Tupelo city leaders have explored the possibility of having “quiet zones” in certain areas, which would help curtail train noise at certain hours of the day.

Senator Wicker also said President Trump’s emphasis on infrastructure repair could have a positive impact on any future work to help alleviate congestion and noise at the intersection.