DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Railroad Flaggers Contract Fourth Amendment On Railroad Bridge In Castle Rock Township, County Project 86-34
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize to execute the fourth amendment to the contract with National Railroad Safety Services (NRSS) for additional flagger costs on County Project 86-34 (Attachment: Location Map).
SUMMARY
To promote a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the County, Dakota County is reconstructing County State Aid Highway 86 from Galaxie Avenue to Trunk Highway 3, including replacing the original timber railroad bridge. This work is essentially complete, and County Road 86 is open to traffic.
Working in the railroad right of way requires flaggers from an agency approved by the Union Pacific Railroad. NRSS is the flagging company under contract with the County.
Flaggers are required to be present whenever the contractor is doing any work in the railroad right of way. This includes constructing the shoofly bridge, removing the original bridge, and removing the shoofly bridge.
NRSS invoices the County weekly based on the hours and associated costs for each flagger. The increase in cost is due to the contractor working longer hours to finish the new bridge construction and remove the shoofly bridge. A small amount of fill needs to be removed from the rail embankment. It is anticipated that all work will be complete by the end of October 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing a contract amendment with NRSS in the amount of $190,000 for costs associated with flaggers while working in the railroad right of way. The total contract amount will be $725,000.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Program Budget contains sufficient funding ($412,000) within the current project budget for the recommended contract amendment of $190,000. Funding sources for the project include Federal funds, County State Aid Highway (CSAH) funds and County Sales and Use Tax funds.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to promote a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the County, Dakota County is reconstructing the segment of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 86 from CSAH 23 (Galaxie Avenue) to Trunk Highway 3; and
WHEREAS, this project includes the replacement of the original timber railroad bridge; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-271 (June 11, 2024), the County Board approved a contract with National Railroad Safety Services (NRSS) to provide the job of flagging (monitoring trains on the active track) while working in the railroad right of way; and
WHEREAS, work on the bridge began in March 2024 and is ongoing; and
WHEREAS, while any work is done within the railroad right of way, Union Pacific Railroad-approved flaggers are required; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorizing execution of an amendment to the contract with NRSS in the amount of $190,000 for additional flagging needs; and
WHEREAS, the amended contract amount is $725,000; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the 2025 Transportation Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget for the recommended contract amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute a fourth amendment to the contract with National Railroad Safety Services, Inc., in the amount of $190,000 for additional anticipated flagging costs, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-274; 06/11/24
24-394; 07/30/24
25-375; 08/12/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Location Map
Attachment: NRSS Invoice Summary
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Jeannine Briol