Herington approves wireline crossing agreement with Union Pacific Railroad

The Herington City Commission voted to approve a wireline crossing agreement with Union Pacific Railroad and authorized the city manager to sign the contract.

City staff said the agreement is standard and similar to a prior crossing agreement for the city’s raw water line. The staff briefing said the agreement imposes minimal obligations on the city but will require coordination with the railroad to limit disruptions. Staff described plans to stage work—setting poles ahead of the crossing and rerouting some electric service in advance—to minimize outages for nearby customers.

The commission approved the motion by roll call. Commissioners Miller, Scott, Stets, Bell and Mayor Gierst each answered “Aye” when the vote was called. Staff said the project could require temporary service shutdowns and that the city may contract additional linemen or request assistance from KMEA (Kansas Municipal Energy Agency) if needed. Any costs beyond staff authority would return to the commission for approval. The commission was told a related street right-of-way vacation would require a separate vote if pursued.

The city will schedule work windows with the railroad to reduce the length of any outages and said it will return to the commission if proposed costs exceed the city manager’s spending authority.