The City of Amarillo has taken a major step toward improving safety and mobility in the Eastridge neighborhood by approving an engineering services agreement for the Northeast 24th Street railroad overpass. The project, a key component of the 2022 Eastridge Neighborhood Plan, aims to address longstanding concerns from residents over hazardous train crossings and blocked access.
Mayor Cole Stanley highlighted the safety benefits of the project. “That is a safety area that’s an issue with pedestrians and the walkability over there. So what we’re solving there is not only traffic but walkable pedestrian traffic as well and the safety of being able to have a busy railroad right through that main intersection,” he said.
The approved agreement covers engineering services necessary to develop detailed plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates for the new overpass. The project will replace the current at-grade crossing with a multi-modal bridge designed to improve both vehicle and pedestrian safety while maintaining connections to major employers and community destinations.
Funding for the project comes from a combination of federal and local sources. Amarillo has secured a $1.7 million federal grant through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant program. The city will contribute a nearly $450,000 local match, bringing the total cost for engineering services to just over $2.2 million.
Residents have long cited the rail crossing as a barrier to safety and quality of life, particularly due to frequent train blockages that disrupt daily travel. City officials say the overpass will restore reliable access to schools, jobs, and essential services, while enhancing neighborhood connectivity.
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