DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Railroad Flaggers Contract Second Amendment With National Railroad Safety Services On Railroad Bridge In Castle Rock Township, County Project 86-34
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of the second amendment to the contract with National Railroad Safety Services Inc. (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 (CSAH) 86 from Galaxie Avenue to Trunk Highway 3, including replacing the existing timber railroad bridge.
Working in the railroad right of way requires flaggers from an agency approved by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). 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 existing 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 and the UPRR requirement to monitor the deflection of the train tracks three times a day, seven days a week. It is anticipated the shoofly will remain in place until December 6, 2024.
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 $465,000.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2020 Capital Improvement Program adopted budget included $14.2 million for the reconstruction of CSAH 86 and the replacement of the railroad bridge. Sufficient funds are available for the recommended contract amendment.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
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 existing 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 the bridge is under construction, 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 $465,000; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the 2020 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 second 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
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Location Map
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Jeannine Briol