Meeting on rail crossings issue is July 29

Vandalia officials will discuss a proposal to replace railroad crossing signals with stop signs at a committee meeting in two weeks.

Also at the meeting, city officials will accept comments from the public about that proposal.

The Vandalia City Council’s streets and public safety committees will hold that meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 29.

Being proposed are the replacement of crossing signals with stop signs at:

• Fillmore Street

• Jefferson Street

• Janett Avenue

• Randolph Street.

The proposal is the result of a plan by Charles Barenfanger and Agracel of Effingham to jointly purchase the Vandalia Railroad local line.

Barenfanger has told aldermen that replacing the signs will save maintenance cost and prevent high liability insurance premiums.

He told the council on Monday that if the proposal is not approved, the plan to purchase the local rail line will likely not happen.

For the complete on Monday's council meeting, see this week’s Leader-Union.