What a difference a day makes at Goshen College. During the 4th of July the college and the City of Goshen are digging out an underpass for bikes and pedestrians. It will run under the railroad tracks so people can get across campus even when a train is passing through.
There are only two days a year that the railroad schedules trains to stop: July 4 and December 25. Construction crews are taking advantage of the stoppage to complete the digging stage of the project.
The entire project isn't scheduled to be completed until November. (Photo album of construction project) When finished, the college will have a ten-foot-long lit tunnel between the Good Library and the Kratz-Miller Residence Halls. A chair lift for disabled people will be activated while trains pass.
The $1.8 million project is funded through a grant by the city and a federal program. The college is covering some of the costs as well.
The college says the underpass won't just benefit student and faculty. They say many community members travel through campus on the Winona Bike Trail, who will also see an advantage.
The college is inviting spectators to head over and check out the construction. You can park in the Rec=Fitness Center off 12th Street or the College Mennonite Church on Main Street/SR-15. The City Parks Department is setting up misting tents and some bleacher seating will be available. Goshen College is a smoke-free and alcohol-free campus. You can also watch a live webcast of the construction here.
