Mannford Residents Seek Solutions As Train Delays Cause Frustration

State Representative Kyle Hilbert said he believes a new $8 - $10 million road is the best solution to frequent roadblocks in Mannford caused by stalled trains.

In the last few months, trains have blocked Basin Road several times for more than an hour each time.

The road is the only way in and out of town for 2,000 people who live near Lake Keystone.

At a town meeting Thursday at City Hall, frustrated residents complained about long delays that block everyone, including first responders.

Representative Kyle Hilbert said he and Representative Ty Burns met with ODOT and the railroad. ODOT suggested a road around the problem, and the railroad agreed to try harder not to block the critical intersection.

“The timeline on it I don't know but I feel like we have a plan,” said Hilbert, who said the ballpark estimate of $8-10 million to connect Basin Road with Highway 48.

The path is not known.

“Let's sharpen the pencils and figure out the path and the cost,” said Hilbert, who said the bypass was much less expensive than an overpass.

Hilbert said ODOT could build the road with state funds and turn it over to the County to maintain.