McCord underpass project moves forward - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

McCord underpass project moves forward

Its been in the works for years, but soon crews will break ground for the massive McCord underpass project.

Wednesday, the Springfield School Board took the next steps, approving everything the Lucas County Engineers needed it to, before construction begins.

Springfield Superintendent Kathryn Hott said, "we need to start because we're step one in order for them to continue on their timelines and plans."

The district needs to move its bus lot and shift student parking to make room for the temporary tracks.  From there, the project will slowly take off.

"They need to put in the beds and they need to sit for 9 to 12 months before they can move the temporary tracks towards us," Hott said.

The hope is to alleviate traffic congestion and make the area safer.

"Its real close to our hear and family that this underpass gets started," Paul Quinto, a Springfield parent, said.

He says he is all for the project if it means students will be safe.  In December of 2009, Springfield High School student Cody Brown died after getting hit by a train while crossing the tracks on the way to school.  His best friend Bri Mullinger, lost her leg."

"We could have another accident, God forbid," Quinto said.  "Its a good thing that its moving forward."

Work on the project will officially being in 2014.  While people are looking forward the end result, travel in the area won't be easy, but most are optimistic.

Construction is set to be complete in 2017.