Lake Elmo council accepts low bid, awards Village Parkway UPRR crossing contract to New Look Contracting

The Lake Elmo City Council on April 1 voted to accept bids and award a contract for the Village Parkway Union Pacific Railroad crossing improvements to New Look Contracting, Inc., for a low bid of $587,948.01.

City staff said six bids were received and the low bid was in line with the engineer’s estimate. Mr. Stanley, who presented the item for staff, said temporary construction easements delayed the project and one easement language clarification will return as a consent item at the next council meeting.

Council members questioned staff about technical and safety details. Councilmember Holtz asked about the underlying easement issues; Stanley said the primary delay was securing approvals and developer consent connected to a prior development agreement. Councilmember Hearn asked whether the project included engineering time for electrical-panel or generator upgrades at a local pump station; Stanley said he would follow up with an estimate.

Council members also asked about permanent safety measures at the north end of the crossing, where the roadway currently terminates in a farm field. Stanley said the project will include permanently mounted Type III barricades to deter traffic and that pedestrian access will be barricaded where there is no safe route beyond the crossing.

Council and staff discussed the project’s financing and past development agreements. Councilmember Jagsich said prior development agreements included fees for a future railroad crossing; staff described the financing as complex but in place. Several council members and staff noted that securing the railroad access permit and related approvals made proceeding now preferable to waiting for a future developer, since permits have limited time windows.

After discussion the council approved resolution 2020Five-thirty5 to accept the bids and award the contract to New Look Contracting. The motion passed on a voice vote.