Rochelle Officials have made some progress in reducing the sound of train horns that are heard each day in the Hub City.
With 2 railroads in Rochelle, the train horn issue has been a problem for years in the community.
During yesterday's Railroad Advisory Board meeting, Rochelle Business and Development Manager Scott Rozanas gave an update on the project. He said that the project can be done in increments with a price tag less than 2 million dollars. The city may need only 2 directional horns for the crossings. They would also use barriers and medium strips to control the train horn sound.
The city is currently talking with a consultant about the project in the future.
Nippon Sharyo began operations earlier this month in their rail car facility. The 1st round of cars from Japan arrived on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad the 1st part of this month. The Japanese company expects their 2nd round of cars by the end of this month.
Nippon Sharyo has scheduled a Grand Opening at their facility in Rochelle on July 19th. State and local officials plan to attend which includes Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
Progress is also being made in the opening of Coated Sands Solutions off Steward Road on the south side of Rochelle. The company should be in full operations by the 1st of the year. They plan to have around 60 employees.
Rochelle Business and Development Manager Scott Rozanas.
Coated Sands Solutions expects to have around 60 employees at their facility.
The city is also looking at forming a Port Authority. This would tie into the Highways, Railroads, Airport, and Internet service that is in Rochelle. Further discussion is expected at meetings on the Port Authority for the Hub City.
