HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 11/13/2018 - Memorandum From Brad Buckman Re: Follow Up Memo From October 30, 2018 Work Session - Prioritization Process For Railroad Crossing ReplacementEngineering Department
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.221.6605
970.221.6378 - fax
fcgov.com/engineering
Planning, Development & Transportation
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 2, 2018
TO: Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager
Laurie Kadrich, Director of PDT
Chad Crager, City Engineer
FROM: Brad Buckman, Special Projects Engineer
RE: October 30 Council Work Session (CWS) Follow Up – Prioritization
Process for Railroad Crossing Replacement
Question:
During the October 30 CWS meeting there was a question raised regarding the process
for replacement of the City’s railroad crossings.
Bottom Line:
Based on previously conducted condition assessments, City staff works with the railroad
companies to plan and prioritize crossing replacements based on the railroad condition.
Introduction:
The funding for the railroad crossing replacement and maintenance program improves
and maintains the 53 track crossing locations in the City which includes:
• 19 crossings on arterial streets with a life expectancy of 20 years.
• 34 minor crossings with a life expectancy of 50 years.
The program provides for the concrete crossing panel material and related asphalt,
curb, gutter and sidewalk infrastructure at railroad crossings as required by the
Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Damaged railroad crossings pose a
significant safety risk to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, as well as the potential
for liability claims against the City.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 02CA65CE-E9D7-4330-8347-7C1043339EAB
The railroad companies replace and maintain the railroad crossings and the City
provides reimbursement for half of the material and labor costs of the work performed at
each crossing. Scheduling the replacements take several months as the City and
railroad company complete a Construction and Maintenance agreement, and the
railroad must schedule for the replacement (and crossing closure) based on crew
availability and train operations.
Analysis:
In July 2018, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad crossing at College
Avenue was replaced, and the Drake BNSF railroad crossing is anticipated to be
replaced in late November 2018. For 2019, we are currently planning on replacement of
the BNSF Swallow Road crossing and the Horsetooth Road crossing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 02CA65CE-E9D7-4330-8347-7C1043339EAB