Resolution ordering preparation of feasibility report for Capital Improvement Project 11215; Union Pacific Railroad and Sibley Parkway.

Adoption of the attached resolution.

The Construction Services Department is requesting authorization from the Council to prepare feasibility reports for the following projects:

Union Pacific railroad bridge over Sibley Parkway. This is located at the intersection of Sibley Parkway and Poplar Street. The City has been in contact with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) regarding the replacement of railroad bridge number 86.84 above Sibley Parkway. The bridge is located about 80-feet northwest of the intersection of Sibley Parkway and Poplar Street. The existing bridge is a circa 1900 timber pile structure that supports two mainline railroad tracks. UPRR indicated an intent to reconstruct the subject bridge in 2028. The new bridge structure is being designed by UPRR and their consultants. The City will be responsible for roadway and utility improvements adjacent to the new bridge. The existing vertical clearance between the low chord of the bridge and Sibley Parkway is inadequate. The roadway elevation of Sibley Parkway should be lowered several feet to achieve a minimum design standard for urban underpasses beneath railroad bridges. It would be most cost-effective to lower the elevation of Sibley Parkway in conjunction with a bridge replacement project. The proposed lowering of the adjacent roadways will require relocation of several city-owned utilities in the project area.
The feasibility report provides the background of the project, the proposed improvements, the cost of the improvements and the method and amount of proposed special assessments. Approximate schedules of the projects will be provided in the feasibility reports. This report is the basis for providing the Council with information to consider the project.