The steep set of stairs just a few feet south of the Big Red Apple could become a pedestrian bridge.
The city of Cornelia plans to utilize federal funding to construct the bridge over the railroad tracks there downtown, according to City Manager Dee Anderson.
Cornelia is one of four cities in Georgia to receive the federal funds, which is derived from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant program. That program, intended to improve safety along Georgia’s railroads, was established through the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021.
Now, Cornelia will tap just over $1.1 million of that money for the engineering and design phase of the project. Later, a second round of funding could finance the construction of the bridge, which could cost between $6-9 million.
Planned at the stairs between the Big Red Apple and Front Street, the bridge will connect downtown pedestrians with a point of crossing over the railroad tracks safely and without delay.
“It will probably be similar to the bridge over 441 at Piedmont University,” Anderson said.
Anderson said it could be four to six weeks before the city enters the design phase – which would be conducted by Cornelia’s engineering consultant Carter and Sloope as well as engineers with railroad company Norfolk Southern. That design phase, in total, could take about a year.
“Anything we can do to keep pedestrians off the train tracks, especially in our downtown with it being an entertainment district,” Anderson said. “It’s a heavily pedestrian area, so that’s the goal of this grant.”
Cornelia Mayor John Borrow spoke to Now Habersham about the positive impact the newly-announced federal funds will have on the city.
“We are thrilled to be able to get access to these funds,” Borrow said. “With the train tracks going straight through the middle of downtown, it’s important for us to prioritize pedestrian safety. By constructing this bridge, we’ll be able to connect both sides of town for pedestrian-friendly activities and festivals.”
Borrow also pointed to the project’s potential to accommodate all people who visit, live or work in the city of Cornelia.
“Walking over a railroad track is a little bit cumbersome, honestly,” Borrow said. “To have that as a permanent option that would serve the need of people with strollers, wheel chairs, bikes and walkers – it’s going to help to connect the city better and make it a safer place.”
Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both of Georgia, served as primary proponents of these items being included in the bill.
“Blockages at rail crossings are not just an inconvenience, but they can be a matter of life and death, Ossoff said. “Every day, the bipartisan infrastructure law is upgrading transportation, energy, sewer and water, and broadband internet across our great state.”
Warnock described the future funding as crucial for the future safety of Georgians and the state’s growing infrastructure.
“Our communities thrive when we are better connected, which is why I have been working to strengthen rail safety and tackle the dangerous conditions posed by stalled trains in Georgia,” Warnock said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. These latest grants will help alleviate stalled trains and promote greater mobility for all.”
Other cities selected to receive funding include: Atlanta, Powder Springs and Gainesville.
