City staff update council on railroad crossing closures; recommends concrete crossings despite higher material cost

City staff updated Monte Vista City Council on progress toward closing two railroad crossings (Faraday and Franklin) and on negotiated upgrades at other crossings, and recommended purchasing concrete crossing materials despite the higher cost.

The city’s presentation summarized recent steps: the Colorado Public Utilities Commission issued final statements on Sept. 26, 2024 approving the abolishment of the Faraday and Franklin crossings after finding closure was in the public interest for safety reasons. Staff said the city has met with railroad representatives and that the railroad will perform labor and provide rail, spikes and ballast for upgrades at two crossings (one at Jefferson and one at North Adams), while the city’s obligation would be to purchase the surface materials.

Costs and recommendation Staff presented two material-quote options for crossing surfaces: a wood-plank crossing priced at about $2,995 per crossing and a concrete (precast) crossing option at about $12,740 per crossing. Staff recommended the concrete option for its expected lifespan, fewer future repairs and because it allows the city to bring asphalt up flush to the crossing, reducing repeated maintenance. Staff acknowledged the concrete option is roughly four times the material cost but argued lifecycle costs favor concrete.

Operational notes Staff reported Jefferson has two tracks (main and a sideline used for packing) and North Adams has one crossing; the city expects the railroad to remove an old bridge at North Adams and to handle heavy labor elements of the upgrades. Staff also noted negotiation with the railroad was ongoing about final scope and that no formal council action was required the night of the update, but staff sought council concurrence to continue negotiations and to move forward with procurement plans once final scope and funding are confirmed.