Hammond's planned Governors Parkway grade-separation project drew a prolonged exchange at Mayor's Night Out, with city officials defending the bridge and opponents urging alternatives to save the tree canopy in Briar Eastwoods.
The mayor and public-safety officials said the project is intended to remove long train blockages in Hessville and protect response times. Fire and police leaders said stalled trains can add 10 to 12 minutes to response times on blocked routes, and that removing the crossing would bring consistent access for multiple apparatus.
The mayor framed the funding as largely covered by outside governments, saying the government is paying $13 million of the $16 million cost and Hammond is paying $3 million. Federal and state funding covers most of the project, according to city officials.
Opponents stressed tree preservation and urged alternatives. Staff expects environmental approval under NEPA by December and projected bidding in July 2028.
