Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), along with Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem, today officially opened the Front Street Overpass in Berea, Ohio after several years of working to develop a way to ease transportation flow around this pivotal point where the two major rail lines of Norfolk Southern and CSX converge.  This is a central point for freight rail transportation and the flow of commerce for the entire Midwest region, but the traffic had been cumbersome for many in the community.

“In many ways, this bridge is the culmination of Berea’s efforts, in conjunction with the efforts of the many communities in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, to get a fair deal when Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads proposed its acquisition of Conrail more than 13 years ago,” said Kucinich.

The $24 million project was originally expected to open in 2011, but contractors were able to work quickly by building on both sides of the railway at the same time.  The overpass goes over the CSX and Norfolk Southern tracks and provides access to local businesses.

“My constituents told me about the long waits and sometimes dangerous close calls that were an everyday part of life for residents in the neighborhood.  Working with Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem, the Ohio Department of Transportation and others, we found the solution,” said Kucinich.