La Crosse city council officially objects to shutting down railroad crossings near Amtrak station

The opposition to some possible closings of rail crossings in north La Crosse now formally includes City Hall.

Following votes by city committes, the city council has voted unanimously to contest the state transportation plans to shut down specific crossings at both Liberty Street and Avon Street. The two affected intersections are at opposite ends of the same block. A resolution passed by the council on Thursday says the request for closure is “not reasonable” and is “detrimental to public safety and convenience.” If those two crossings were converted to dead-ends, that would leave just one north-side rail crossing that does not include a bridge.

Council members argue that reducing the number of crossings could lead to traffic problems near the Amtrak depot, and on busy north-side streets. The resolution was among a group of item passed unanimously by the council on Thursday.