 In 1913 , the city of Erie appointed a committee of city planners and civil engineers led by John Nolen that was tasked with determining the best course of action to support the continued growth of the city . In its final report , the committee recommended , among other civic improvements , that " for the improvement of the railroad facilities in Erie " a new Union Station be constructed , as well as the " abolition of all [ railroad ] crossings " . At the time the only streets in Erie where the railroad was grade separated were State , French , and Ash Streets , and Buffalo Road , while the remainder had level crossings . The committee felt it was desirable that , on account of Erie 's topography and the existing railroad grades , the tracks be raised in the downtown to accommodate new roadway underpasses . The city signed an agreement on September 30 , 1915 , with the New York Central and the Pennsylvania railroads to eliminate every level crossing between Ash and Cascade Streets through the construction of bridges or the closing of the streets . As compensation , both railroads pledged to replace Union Depot with a new station . 
