Delaware County approves design amendment for Orange Road railroad separation; staff targets 2028 start

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on March 23 approved Amendment No. 3 to the professional services agreement with Gannett Fleming for the Orange Road railroad grade separation project, advancing detailed design of the bridge structures.

Rob Riley, chief deputy engineer, said the amendment covers detailed railroad bridge design and that the county has coordinated required design parameters with the railroads. "We are still, I think, on track for, starting work in 2028," Riley said, but he added that property acquisitions and final railroad approvals are controlling factors.

Riley said Home Road is farther along in planning and is likely to move ahead of Orange Road; Cheshire Road remains a lower priority but continues to advance with related utility work, including coordination with the county water utility on a new water tower.

Why it matters: The grade separation design is intended to remove at‑grade railroad crossings and improve safety and traffic flow, but it requires intergovernmental coordination, property acquisition and railroad agreements that can extend timeline and complexity.

Board action: The board moved, seconded and approved Resolution 26‑206. Staff said the county will continue property acquisitions and pursue railroad approvals as part of the preconstruction process.

Next steps: Staff will continue design with Gannett Fleming, pursue necessary property acquisitions and work with Norfolk Southern and other railroads on final agreements; no construction contract was approved at the March 23 meeting.