In compliance with Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 USC 303) and its implementing regulations (23 CFR Part 774), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in cooperation with Madison Railroad provides public notice of its proposal to make a de minimis impact finding under Section 4(f) regarding the effects of the proposed Madison Railroad Gateway to the National Rail Network Project on a portion of Commons Park in Vernon, Indiana, and to provide the opportunity for public review and comment on the proposed finding. Section 4(f) requires FRA to evaluate the use of publicly owned parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges, as well as historic properties when providing funding or other approvals for projects and ensure protection of those properties and important features associated with them. FRA is contributing funding to Madison Railroad for final design and construction of the project through its Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program.

Madison Railroad is proposing to replace the railroad bridge over the Muscatatuck River due to existing deficiencies and deteriorating conditions to improve operations and the structural capacity of the bridge. The new bridge would be on the same alignment as the existing bridge and have the same dimensions (140 feet long by about 18 feet wide). The proposed superstructure would be composed of a reinforced concrete ballasted deck that is supported on welded steel deck plate girders with four I-beams. The existing substructures would be reinforced to support the new bridge. Temporary construction activities are proposed around the new bridge, with access anticipated along the railroad or from Jackson Street through Commons Park. Staging and temporary work areas are proposed on the east side of the park due to lack of adequate space near the bridge (see below map showing approximate area).

The proposed de minimis impact finding is based on the anticipated temporary nature of use of the park during construction and proposed restoration of the portion of the park that is used to current or better conditions. The official with jurisdiction over the park is the Town of Vernon, and the Town has been informed about the project and is coordinating with the Railroad on an agreement for temporary occupancy of the park. Pending review of public comments, FRA will send a letter to the Town describing the Section 4(f) evaluation process and requesting concurrence from the Town, which will conclude the Section 4(f) process.

Pursuant to 23 CFR 774.5(b)(2), notice is hereby provided of the proposed de minimis finding. Comments regarding the proposed finding and concerns with use of the park during construction may be submitted by November 1, 2025, to Anthony Ross, FRA Environmental Protection Specialist, anthony.ross@dot.gov.

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