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Consideration of request from the Engineering Division to approve an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) for activities involved with a diagnostic review of the Walnut Road private crossing and to approve a fund transfer of $50,000 from Bus Stop Improvements (CIP #9008) to Engineering consulting services for said diagnostic review
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE, RSP2
Department:
DPW-Engineering
A. Issue
The Walnut Road private crossing is not currently in the quiet zone and requires a diagnostic review.
B. Background/Options
In early 2025, the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) notified the City of the need to reaffirm its two quiet zones. Staff completed the reaffirmation by early spring.
The FRA notified the City that the Walnut Road private crossing was not included in the original "pre-rule" quiet zone along the UPRR decades ago and that it must be added to the quiet zone in order to keep it. If changes are not made, the pre-rule quiet zone could be rescinded.
FRA minimum requirements for a private crossing in a pre-rule quiet zone includes various signs and markings. Sign and marking changes on the approaches to railroad crossings are the responsibility of the City. Signs like crossbucks are the responsibility of the railroad. Staff contacted UPRR to inform them of the need for crossbuck signs at the crossing. UPRR indicated that it will require a full diagnostic review of the Walnut Road crossing before it will make any changes to the crossing. Additionally, UPRR is requiring that all of its costs associated with the diagnostic review must be borne by the City. As a private crossing, UPRR has this authority.
UPRR is requiring the signing of an agreement for up to $50,000 for its team's participation in and leadership of a diagnostic review. The diagnostic review includes pre-meeting activities in a virtual setting to understand the crossing. An in-person meeting will then be assembled at the crossing consisting of UPRR sta...
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