NORMAL ( 25News Now ) - A project on the Town of Normal’s priority list for more than a decade is a step closer to becoming a reality.

The town council narrowly voted Monday night for raising taxes and borrowing millions of dollars to pay for the $40.3 million underpass. Supporters of the project said the tunnel will be a safe path for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross Union Pacific train tracks near Uptown Station.

The vote was 4-3 with Council Members Andy Byars, Scott Preston, and Kathleen Lorenz voting no. Mayor Chris Koos joined Council Members Rory Roberge, Kevin McCarthy, and Karyn Smith in voting yes.

The food and beverage tax will rise to 2.25% from 2% and the hotel-motel tax will increase to 8%, from 6%.

The higher food and beverage charges would generate an estimated $44

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