Council opts for targeted safety repairs on Center Street viaduct railing; longer-term replacement discussed

After staff reviewed eight options for the Center Street viaduct railing, the council voted to remove blast cleaning and painting from the current contract and to authorize targeted repairs and further planning for a future replacement. Heather Thomas, public works director, outlined cost estimates and UP Railroad coordination requirements that raised projected costs for full removal-and-replace options; she recommended a safety-first interim approach that could be completed this year.

Thomas described the highest-risk areas and a lower-cost, short-term remediation: "Our intent is to look at those concerns only when we're referring to safety," she said, noting that rust and flaking paint alone are an aesthetic concern but sharp edges and corroded structural members present safety liabilities. Staff estimated the recommended change would produce a $245,100 deduct from the current contract while avoiding larger contract increases tied to railroad hot-work and track-protection requirements. Council members and residents who spoke supported the pragmatic approach to reopen the viaduct for freight and reduce public-safety exposures while community conversations continue about a decorative long-term replacement.

The council recorded a roll-call vote in favor of proceeding with staff recommendations; staff will continue negotiations with the contractor regarding a previously cited restocking fee and will plan community engagement on a possible ornamental replacement in a later project phase.