Focus Area: Infrastructure (Engineering)
Staff Contact: Mary Jaeger / Nate Baldwin
Subject: Authorization 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 Resolution No. 25-1070 authorizing the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, PN 3-C-029-24; and amending Resolution 24-1008.
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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 grade separated railroad crossings along these railroad tracks to improve the reliability of east-west travel time in western Olathe.
On January 23, 2024, City Council authorized the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project in the amount of $500,000. 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. Additionally, the project has a funding commitment from BNSF for $100,000. This Resolution will increase the overall project budget by $1,850,000, the amount of RCE Grant funding and BSNF commitment to the project. There is no increase in the GO Bond amount for the project.
Preliminary engineering design is tentatively scheduled to begin in Fall 2025
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Financial Impact:
Funding for the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, includes:
GO Bonds $ 500,000
RCE Grant $1,750,000
BNSF $ 100,000
Total $2,350,000
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Action Needed:
Approval of Resolution No. 25-1070 authorizing the BNSF West Track Separation Preliminary Engineering Project, PN 3-C-029-24; and amending Resolution 24-1008.
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Attachment(s):
A. Resolution