Local officials are praising the CSX and Louisville and Indiana Railroads for offering to help pay for an overpass in downtown Columbus. That is after years of sometimes more difficult interactions, they say.

Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop said the railroads are under no obligation to help with the project that will cost an estimated $30 million dollars.

City and county officials say that the railroad has not always been so helpful. The mayor explains that when train traffic begins to pick up later this month, or in early September, there will problems.

Bartholomew County Commissioners Larry Kleinhenz and Rick Flohr talked about a recent interaction with the railroad.