Focus Area: Infrastructure (Engineering)
Staff Contact: Mary Jaeger / Nate Baldwin
Subject: Contract with GFT Infrastructure, Inc., for engineering and planning of the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, PN 3-C-029-24.
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TITLE:
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Consideration of Professional Services Agreement with GFT Infrastructure, Inc., for engineering and planning of the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, PN 3-C-029-24.
Body
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Summary:
The City of Olathe is bisected by the BNSF Emporia Subdivision, which runs north and south at-grade through downtown Olathe. There are eight at-grade crossings and one low clearance crossing of these railroad tracks, each presenting a unique set of challenges to the City and its residents. The BNSF railroad tracks act as a major east-west barrier with the City, preventing the free flow of traffic and compounding safety issues for all modes of transportation. This project will provide conceptual engineering of the nine crossings along these railroad tracks to improve the reliability of east-west travel time in western Olathe.
On April 5, 2024, the City advertised a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering firms to provide engineering and planning services for the project. Two (2) firms responded to the RFQ. After reviewing all proposals, the selection committee chose GFT Infrastructure, Inc. (formerly TranSystems Corporation), as the most qualified firm.
On July 8, 2024, the City entered into a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with TranSystems Corporation for assistance in applying for a planning grant through the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) program. On January 10, 2025, the City was selected for an award of $1,750,000 from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) program. This grant award was approved by City Council on August 5, 2025.
This agreement is for $2,250,000 and will include survey of existing conditions, evaluation and analysis of 8 at grade and 1 grade separation crossings, public involvement, and development of conceptional alternatives for each crossing.
After approval of the PSA, development of a Project Management Plan (PMP) will be developed for submittal to the FRA. After FRA approval of the PMP, work on the study will begin. Initial stakeholder engagement is anticipated for Summer/Fall 2026. The Final Performance Report will be completed no later than January 31, 2028, per the RCE grant agreement.
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Financial Impact:
Funding for the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, as approved in the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, includes:
GO Bonds $500,000
BNSF $100,000
RCE Grant $1,750,000
Total $2,350,000
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Action Needed:
Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with GFT Infrastructure, Inc., for engineering and planning services of the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, PN 3-C-029-24.
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Attachment(s):
A. Project Location Map
B. Project Fact Sheet
C. Professional Services Agreement