Public works committee recommends Trackwork contract for Craighead Technology Park rail repairs

The Jonesboro Public Works Committee voted to recommend that the city enter into a contract with Trackwork Incorporated for the Craighead Technology Park industrial lead switchpoint protection and grade crossing maintenance project, forwarding Resolution 25-059 to the full City Council.

The work is intended to install protectors on rail switch points to prevent frequent breakages, repair concrete panels at roadway crossings, and replace about 500 rail ties. Craig (public works staff) told the committee this is not the annual maintenance contract but a targeted project to address recurring failures: "This is not the annual maintenance. These are some specific items that we wanted to address this year. We've been having some issues with switches the switch points breaking when they're switching for railcars. And every time 1 breaks, it's an emergency to get it repaired. And they're about 6,000 6500 dollars every time 1 breaks." He added the project will also replace broken concrete crossing panels that have become hazardous.

Committee materials identified Trackwork Incorporated as the low bidder; the meeting record named American Services LLC and Railroad Services Inc. as higher bidders. The resolution states funding for the contract will come from the city's capital improvement budget and that compensation will be paid in accordance with the agreement. The resolution also authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute documents necessary to effectuate the contract.

Committee members asked whether the work was part of the city's annual maintenance; staff clarified it is a separate, one-time project to address frequent switch failures. The committee then moved and seconded a recommendation to the full council; the motion carried and the resolution was forwarded for council consideration.