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Benton City continues talks with Union Pacific after bridge appraisal jumps to about $1.1 million
Summary
Council heard staff say Union Pacific’s updated internal appraisal values an old railroad bridge at about $1.1 million; staff will continue negotiations, consider commissioning a city appraisal and research precedents for repurposing or removal.
City staff updated the council on negotiations with Union Pacific over an old railroad bridge that the city has been tracking as a public‑safety and liability concern. Nathan told the council that Union Pacific’s internal appraiser produced an updated figure of roughly $1,100,000, down from a completed‑project estimate of about $4.8 million after condition‑based depreciation.
A council member criticized that amount as disproportionate to the bridge’s condition and said the city should ask Union Pacific how much removal would cost and consider showing a project budget to demonstrate rehabilitation costs. “Ask them how much it is for them to pull the son of a ***** out,” the councilmember said in a pointed remark recorded in the transcript, arguing the city could press the railroad to reduce the price or remove the hazard.
Nathan said the railroad indicated willingness to review a documented, certified appraisal or a budget showing a completed rehabilitation project; he said the city has compiled photos, liability concerns and environmental survey materials to support negotiations. Staff also noted jurisdictional limits — condemning the structure may fall outside city authority if the bridge lies off city property — and said they will continue discussions and research comparable trail conversions and precedents.
Next steps: staff will continue to negotiate, research similar bridge conversions and may commission an independent appraisal or compile a detailed budget to challenge Union Pacific’s valuation.
