The Morganfield City Council, on the recommendation of Mayor Jerry Freer, has okayed the seeking of bids to pave Railroad Street and the mayor indicated the street will soon be named in honor of retiring City Councilwoman Dorothy Crutcher and her late husband Norval Crutcher.
Railroad Street, making use of the old Illinois Central rail bed, runs from Airline Road to North Chapman Road on the city's west side.
The street runs for .7 of a mile and crosses Hughes Street, Townsend Street and Rhea Street at the Kentucky Utilities Substation and Warehouse.
The city acquired the old rail bed several years ago after the property was sold by the railroad company. Illinois Central Gulf abandoned its rail service in Union County a generation ago, though a small part of it was sold to the old Tradewater Railroad Co., which operated a small line for the old Pyro Mining Company.
The city made use of the old rail bed's natural contour for use as a street.
The city had sought state, national and county financial help in the past to help pave the street, but to no avail.
Mayor Freer told the council that the city was merely accepting bids for the work and the city would only okay the paving work if the cost can fit into the city's budget.
Councilman Justin Wolfe wondered if the sought after bids would include curbs, gutters and sidewalks, but Freer said such work would triple the cost of the work and it was pointed out that the street has proper ditching which provides adequate drainage. And the city has added culverts across the street where needed.
Police Chief Tom Carmon said the city may want to a take a hard look at making the intersection with Townsend Street a four-way stop. Carmon noted there was a visibility problem coming off Railroad Street from Airline Road. That intersection is currently a two-way stop for the Railroad Street traffic.
Mayor Freer felt no stop signs would change except on one side of Rhea Street where only one residence exits. Freer said a stop sign would likely be placed there.
Railroad Street was never officially named by the city and only took on that name for natural reasons. Mrs. Crutcher has been on the city council for more than 20 years and decided to retire rather than to seek re-election. Her late husband was a noted educator and principal of the now-closed Dunbar High School in Morganfield.
Mrs. Crutcher was first elected to the council in November 1981 and will have served 23 years when her term ends December 31. She was the first black woman ever elected to serve on the council.
