A grant of $1.2 million will be used to find a solution for the Mannford level crossing

Some people in Mannford say they are glad a study has been approved to find a solution to a railroad crossing that is temporarily blocking a major road in the city for up to an hour. More than $1 million was allocated for the study.

A man says he has seen traffic increasing again at the crossing of this train for an hour. He hopes this grant marks the start of a solution that works for everyone.

When a train passed through Mannford, drivers only had to wait a few minutes. Jeff Larson knows things could get much worse.

“I know one took 45 minutes and I know one took well over an hour,” he said.

Larson’s store is right next to the Basin Road railroad crossing. He sees a traffic jam almost every day.

“Morning rush hour, afternoon rush hour, when people get home in the morning or go to work – that’s when the problem seems to arise.”

Larson hopes the $1.2 million grant is just the beginning of better days for the region.

Rep. Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) says he has heard about the concerns.

“I want to make it clear that the entire project has not been funded yet, but this is the first step,” Hilbert said. “This money will fund design and engineering to create an alternative route around the tracks.”

“Trains blocking the line is frustrating for anyone in any part of the state, but it’s particularly a problem in this location because there are thousands of people in the basin. If this road is blocked, no one can go anywhere,” Hilbert said.

Larson has his own idea of ​​what is best for the region.

“My special feeling is: a bridge is the only solution. The trains are getting longer. You can push your traffic further onto the road, but you’re not solving the problem.”

Hilbert says he is always welcome to reach out to anyone who has questions or concerns about the intersection.

He says once the study is completed, there will be a better estimate of how much the actual project will cost.