It was a ceremony fitting for the man the area was named in honor of.
Hundreds gathered directly under the tracks on East Main to mark the completion of the two year, $25 million project, but also to remember a favorite Galesburg resident. Like Tony Franklin, who spoke on behalf of the Sibley family.
“He has a testament of character. His character is one that lets us know this is a new day in Galesburg,” says Franklin. “Not only will his legacy live on through the family, it also lives on through everyone he touched.”
Many echoed that sentiment, even Governor Bruce Rauner, recalling the one and only time even he met Sibley. Rauner describes the underpass opening itself as a great day for Illinois.
The majority of the money for the project is federal, but Burlington Northern Santa Fe kicked in $2 million of the $25 million needed.
“We have about…depending on business…1,500 employees here,” says Andy Williams, BNSF Director of Public Affairs. “They live, work, shop, and love this community. I have about five states that I cover. My phone is chronically ringing from employees here from BNSF asking us, the foundation, BNSF, to do something to help the community.”
The city and construction crews had to work around the railroad’s nearly around-the-clock schedule the last two years to get the underpass built, and got done a month and a half ahead of schedule.
Sibley’s widow, Vicki, was presented with a State of Illinois flag and a copy of the plaque to be placed on the underpass honoring the reverend, who passed away April 3, 2017, at the age of 68.
Go to WGIL’s Facebook page to see more photos and videos from the underpass dedication ceremony.
