(BENTON, IL) — It seems Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz is moving forward with plans to try to get an overpass put in on Route 37/South Main Street to keep traffic from being stopped by trains blocking the railroad tracks in that area of town.  On Wednesday, Kondritz sent a letter to Congressman Mike Bost of Murphysboro asking for assistance in constructing an overpass.  Kondritz mentions in his letter that trains have been known to block the north/south crossing for up to two hours at a time causing this to become a major safety concern in Benton. The mayor also stressed that there is no alternate route for emergency services, including ambulance, police and fire protection agencies to help residents that live in the affected area. Kondritz added that the city has contacted the Union Pacific Railroad about the lengthy delays and safety issues, but no action has been taken to resolve the underlying problem. A copy of this letter was also sent to State Senator Gary Forby of Benton and State Representative John Bradley of Marion seeking their help with this problem.