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Council approves BNSF surface-installation agreement for three downtown crossings amid cost uncertainty
Summary
The council approved a surface-installation agreement with BNSF for sidewalk crossings at South Roger Street, College Street and Flat Street; staff provided an estimate of $270,838 and said final costs will be provided by BNSF after contractor work, with a plan to prioritize crossings if costs rise.
The Waxahachie City Council on Monday approved a surface-installation agreement with BNSF Railway for pedestrian crossings at three downtown locations: South Roger Street (both sides), College Street (drainage/culvert work north of the tracks) and Flat Street (west-side sidewalk crossing).
City staff presented the project as the result of long-term efforts to provide concrete panel crossings at the railroad tracks. Staff said the BNSF-provided estimate for surface installation is $270,838; that figure is an estimate provided by BNSF after consulting its contractors and staff and is not a guaranteed final price. Staff said the city will pay BNSF for work within the railroad right-of-way and then complete sidewalk connections and drainage on the city side after BNSF work is finished.
Council asked about cost-control measures and whether the city would prioritize certain crossings if the final price exceeds the estimate. Staff responded that the capital-street fund could be used for payment and suggested Flat Street as the lowest-priority crossing if the council wished to trim the scope in the event of higher-than-expected bids. Staff also noted that certain work (e.g., man-hours and flagging) are the biggest cost variables.
Why it matters: The project creates safer pedestrian crossings over railroad tracks in the downtown core and includes drainage improvements on College Street.
Formal action: Council moved to approve the BNSF surface-installation agreement for South Roger Street, College Street and Flat Street and authorized the interim city manager to execute necessary documents; the motion carried.
Implementation notes: Staff will coordinate with BNSF during contractor mobilization, seek itemized price details as each crossing is scheduled, and bring back council input if final prices exceed budgeted authority.
