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Council approves $300,000 budget increase for SE 29/20 Ninth Street project after BNSF flagging rate rise
Summary
Topeka’s governing body amended CIP budgets to add funding for the Southeast 20 Ninth Street project after Burlington Northern Santa Fe raised daily flagging rates; staff said $300,000 covers the increase and the project is ready to bid.
City engineers told the governing body July 15 that a design-stage cost increase for the Southeast 20 Ninth Street improvement project stems from higher railroad inspection and flagging rates charged by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).
Public Works Director Steve Groener said the city had been using older rate assumptions; as of the morning of July 15 the daily BNSF inspection/flagging rate was $1,400 plus a $400 mobilization charge, and the railroad informed staff later that day the daily rate would increase to $1,500. Groener said staff seeks to increase the project budget by $300,000 to cover the higher railroad costs so the project can be advertised for bid as soon as possible.
Groener said the total numbered project in the CIP is one of several project numbers that make up the overall corridor improvements; the total corridor budget is roughly $8 million, while the single project number being increased was about $4 million prior to the amendment. The council approved the two-part action to amend the CIP and increase the project budget; the motion carried unanimously among members present.
Staff emphasized the project is ready for bidding and noted potential tariff changes Aug. 1 could further affect material costs if the council delayed the vote. Councilmembers asked for clarifications about the scope; Groener said the work includes replacing the reinforced concrete box that carries Butcher Creek under a railroad bridge and replacing a water main under the structure; the alignment will not be straightened because of the railroad skew.
The governing body approved the amendment to the CIP and the project budget increase in two separate votes; staff said procurement planned to advertise for bids immediately if the amendment passed.
