DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Approve Contract Amendment With RailPros, Inc. In Inver Grove Heights For County Project 32-65
end
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, to promote a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the County, Dakota County, in cooperation with the City of Inver Grove Heights, is reconstructing 117th Street (new County State Aid Highway 32) to a two-lane divided highway from County State Aid Highway 71 (Rich Valley Blvd) and Trunk Highway 52; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-168 (March 25, 2025), the County Board approved a contract with RailPros, Inc. for railroad construction observation and flagging services in the amount of $247,940; and
WHEREAS, the project began in the spring of 2026, constructing the eastbound roadway in 2026 and westbound in 2027; and
WHEREAS, while any work is done within the railroad right of way, Union Pacific Railroad-approved flaggers are required; and
WHEREAS, costs for these services have exceeded the original contract amount; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorizing a contract amendment with RailPros, Inc. in the amount of $500,000 for additional flagging needs; and
WHEREAS, the amended contract amount is $747,940; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the 2026 Transportation Capital Improvement Program Amended Budget for the recommended contract amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the contract amendment and authorizes the Physical Development Director, to execute a contract amendment with RailPros, Inc. in the amount of $500,000 for additional contract costs on County Project 32-65, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
end
BACKGROUND
To promote a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the County, Dakota County, in cooperation with the City of Inver Grove Heights, is reconstructing 117th Street, new County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 32, to a two-lane divided highway from CSAH 71 (Rich Valley Blvd) to Trunk Highway 52. A project location map is included in the attachments. The project began in the spring of 2026 and will be substantially complete in the fall 2027. The contractor is constructing eastbound in 2026 and westbound in 2027. County Board action is requested at this time to amend the railroad observation and flagging contract.
There are two Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossings included in the project. Whenever the contractor is working within the railroad right of way, UPRR requires an approved observation and flagging service be present. RailPros is providing this service for the project.
Work within the right of way includes storm sewer installation, concrete curb and medians, and bituminous paving. These operations will take place in both 2026 and 2027.
RailPros has currently provided flagging services totaling $450,000. The completion date of the project is November 1, 2027. With most of the construction work within the railroad right of way completed, the estimated additional funding needed to cover the invoices this year is $202,060. The remainder of the flagging costs through 2027 is an additional $297,240 for a total of $500,000.
A contract amendment is needed to pay the current and future invoices for observation and flagging.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing a contract amendment with RailPros, Inc., in the amount of $500,000 for costs associated with flaggers while working within the railroad right of way. The total contract amount will be $747,940.
end
FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
The adopted 2026 Transportation Capital Improvement Program budget includes $26,270,392 for CP 32-65 New County Road 32/71 TH52 IGH. There is sufficient project budget available to fund this contract amendment. No additional FTEs are required.
CP 32-65 New County Road 32/71 TH52 IGH
|
Funding Source |
Approved Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Sales and Use Tax |
$10,857,982 |
$2,235,690 |
|
City |
$ 5,734,000 |
$0 |
|
Federal |
$ 8,000,000 |
$0 |
|
Transportation Advancement Account |
$ 1,678,410 |
$0 |
|
Total |
$26,270,392 |
$2,235,690 |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-168; 03/25/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Location Map
Attachment: Contract Summary
CONTACTS
Department Director: Erin Laberee
Author: Jeannine Briol