Robinson Underpass Remains Under Construction after 4 Years

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Four years ago, Norman voters approved funding for an underpass at the railroad crossing at Robinson Street. Four years later, they are still waiting. And, they're going to have to wait a little longer.

Three dozen trains pass through the intersection daily. Two years ago the city of Norman put up a sign that states construction will start this year, will be finished next year. That's already out-of-date.

"The city of Norman is very committed to it," Public Works Director Shawn O'Leary said. "This is going to be a great project."

Homes and businesses in the area have been demolished. More will be demolished this week. Crews are moving utility lines. But the project is already a year behind the posted schedule.

Some Norman residents are skeptical.

"It's looked like that for months and months, kind of discouraging," Norman resident Eugene Grejill said.

"Do you think we're ever going to the

Recently there have been new problems with the design. Burlington-Northern now wants a second mainline bridge--plus a longer temporary track so its trains can move more quickly through the intersection.

The city insists it's not an emergency. But the changes could raise the cost.

"This could increase the cost of the project, worst case scenario that we're seeing right now, up to $1 million," O'Leary said.

A final version of the design is expected to emerge next week.