The East Main Street Underpass in Galesburg is set to open with a celebration at 10 a.m. July 18 in the 600 block of East Main Street, marking the culmination of years of work and planning. The public is invited to join the City of Galesburg, state and federal officials, and partner agencies in celebrating the opening and dedication of the underpass as the Rev. Jon A. Sibley Sr. Underpass.
The opening celebration will include remarks by state and local officials, local dedication and naming of the underpass, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a drive through the underpass at the conclusion of the event. It will be named and dedicated in honor of Sibley, who was a lifelong resident and supporter of the community.
The underpass is a component of an overarching infrastructure improvement project in Galesburg, including the Donald L. Moffitt Overpass on West Main Street completed in 2012, and the Bickerdyke Bridge on North Seminary-Kellogg, which opened in 2014.
The opening of the East Main Street underpass is the third component of the multi-part plan, providing enhanced traffic flow throughout downtown Galesburg, as well as improved emergency response time and traffic and train safety.
The total project cost for the East Main Street underpass represents an investment of approximately $25 million in order to construct the underpass for vehicle traffic on East Main Street to pass under the BNSF railway. Preliminary Engineering for the underpass started in February 2011, and construction began during October 2016.
Parking will be available on neighboring streets, as well as Parking Lot D, located a block west of the underpass.
For more information, contact the City of Galesburg Public Works Department at (309) 345-3623.
