DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Three-Party Agreement With Union Pacific Railroad Company And Progressive Rail Incorporated For Improved At-Grade Railroad Crossing And Installation Of Warning Devices On County State Aid Highway 88 In Randolph Township, County Project 88-24
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize to enter into an agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad Company and Progressive Rail Incorporated for an improved at-grade railroad crossing and installation of warning devices on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 88 in Randolph Township, County Project (CP) 88-24.
SUMMARY
Dakota County is proceeding with CP 88-24 to provide a safe and efficient transportation system. County Project 88-24 will address pavement quality, safety, and operational issues. The existing road has minimal paved shoulders, no turn lanes, and multiple curves with advisory speeds below the posted speed limit. In addition, CSAH 88 currently intersects Highway 56 at a skew near a railroad crossing, which has led to several crashes. County Project 88-24 also explored the feasibility of a trail along existing and reconstructed CSAH 88 to connect the Dakota County Parks on both ends of the project, utilizing the right of way needed for the road reconstruction. This project, when complete, will be consistent with county state aid standards for this type of highway. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2024.
Dakota County Project 88-24 is included in the 2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). To proceed with the CP 88-24 project, Dakota County needs an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company and Progressive Rail Incorporated. to improve the at-grade crossing of one track of the Union Pacific Railroad at its Mile Post 69.399 - Cannon Falls Subdivision DOT# 185244V, and install warning devices as required by state design requirements.
The existing at-grade public road crossing is insufficient to allow for the reconstruction and widening of the CSAH 88 construction. With this agreement, the railroads will grant additional rights to Dakota Country to facilitate the reconstruction and widening of the Roadway.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to enter into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company and Progressive Rail Incorporated to define the project costs and construction and maintenance responsibilities associated with widening the existing railroad crossing on Felton Avenue as part of CP 88-24.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The at-grade crossing improvements are estimated to cost $452,719. The funding is included in the 2024 Transportation CIP, and the actual cost of this work will be 100 percent Dakota County funds (Attachment: Financial Summary). There is no cost sharing for this project, and since the County initiated the project, Union Pacific Railroad Company and Progressive Rail Incorporated are not responsible for the crossing upgrade.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County and Randolph Township are partnering on County Project (CP) 88-24 (Project); and
WHEREAS, the Project includes the segment of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 88 from Trunk Highway (TH) 52 to TH 56; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and need for the Project is to improve safety, operations, and capacity along the Project corridor; and
WHEREAS, to address the purpose and need for the Project, the County is proposing to reconstruct CSAH 88 to address pavement quality, safety, and operational issues by improving drainage, modifying access, improving sight angles, and adding turn lanes; and
WHEREAS, the County is the lead agency for the Project; and
WHEREAS, County Project 88-24 existing at-grade public road crossing at Mile Post 69.399 - Cannon Falls Subdivision DOT# 185244V is insufficient to allow for the reconstruction and widening of the CSAH 88 construction; and
WHEREAS, Union Pacific Railroad Company and Progressive Rail Incorporated estimate that the cost of improving the facilities, including engineering, materials, required easements and construction, is $452,719; and
WHEREAS, CP 88-24 is scheduled for construction in 2024 and included in the Dakota County Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and
WHEREAS, in order to proceed with construction, Dakota County must enter into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company and Progressive Rail Incorporated for an improved at-grade crossing and installation of warning devices as required by state design requirements; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the crossing is included in the 2024 CIP and is estimated at $452,719; and
WHEREAS, the at-grade crossing is located in the Township of Randolph, and Dakota County will be responsible for 100 percent of the actual cost associated with this work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to enter into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company And Progressive Rail Incorporated for an improved at-grade crossing and installation of warning devices on County State Aid Highway 88 in the Township of Randolph, in the amount of the actual cost for such work estimated to be $452,719, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form and execution.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Location Map
Attachment: Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement
Attachment: Financial Summary
BOARD GOALS
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CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: John Sass