[Council Communication]  [Attachments]

Council Communication

Title:	Update on the Railroad Crossing Evaluation
Dept:	Public Works Department
Date:	July 21, 2004 - Study Session
Submitted By:	Paula Brown
Approved By:	Gino Grimaldi, City Administrator

Synopsis:	Attached is the Final Report on the Railroad Crossing Evaluation. The status of the railroad crossings has been a Council goal for the past two years. Staff hired HDR to evaluate all of the crossings. This final report includes, a report on the current condition, an assessment of needed improvements and gives recommendations on prioritized improvements. Staff will update Council on this report and go over some of the options available for improvements and other future decisions with regard to current and prospective railroad crossings.
Recommendation:	This item is for Council discussion only and requires no formal action at this time.
Fiscal Impact:	The City's contract with HDR was for $15,000 to provide this initial assessment. Improvements to each of the nine railroad crossings will have a fairly significant fiscal impact to the City. Although the consultant's estimates are likely a bit on the high end, improvements to all nine of the rail crossings will total anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 per crossing (over $3M for all). There are very limited grant funds available for the improvements. The attached technical memorandum (HDR September 2003) provides a snapshot of funding sources. Staff will present the information, but will not ask for a decision to commit funds at this time.
Background:	Please see the attached Final Report and Technical Memorandum
Attachments:	1) 2) 3) Map of the railroad crossings in Ashland Railroad Crossing Evaluation Funding Opportunities, Technical Memorandum, HDR September 2003 Railroad Crossing Evaluation, Final Report, HDR February 2004

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