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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin and City Council
FROM: Tim Weidner, P.E., Engineering Coordinator
DATE: May 16, 2024
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the City of Aurora to enter into a crossing surface installation agreement with BNSF Railway Company for improvements of the crossing of Indian Trail and the BNSF Railroad.
PURPOSE:
To enter into a crossing surface installation agreement with BNSF for the Indian Trail crossing.
BACKGROUND:
The project has secured federal funding to cover up to 80% of Construction and Construction Engineering costs. The funding sources include Surface Transportation Program - Local (STU) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ). A total of $3,800,000.00 in federal funds has been secured for Construction and Construction Engineering on the project.
The project involves modernizing the signalized intersections along Indian Trail between Edgelawn Dr and Highland Ave. Modernization includes replacement of all aging signal equipment, widening of curb radii to meet design vehicle requirement, and improving pedestrian facilities to meet ADA compliance. The intersections will feature new signal heads with 4-face flashing yellow turn arrows, which are currently in use on Orchard Rd and are proposed in other upcoming projects throughout the City. Additionally, the existing roadway and 8-10 foot wide bike path will be resurfaced as part of this project. Additional general information and exhibits can be found on the project website (<https://www.aurora-il.org/2365/Indian-Trl-from-Edgelawn-Dr-to-Highland->).
The City is continuing work with their selected design consultant, Stanley Engineering, on final design plans under a previous City agreement. The plans are 99% complete and the "Initial Final" Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) were submitted to IDOT on November 27, 2023. The project is likely targeting a September 2024 IDOT letting, pending final land acquisition certification and railroad agreement approval.
DISCUSSION:
As part of this project, coordination has been ongoing with the BNSF Railway regarding the crossing at Indian Trail immediately west of Highland Ave. The current crossing is in poor condition and has been subject to numerous motorist complaints. BNSF has completed some interim improvements recently, but the crossing is in need of more substantial repairs to bring the crossing to acceptable condition.
Through this coordination, BNSF has agreed to repair and raise the crossing surface to provide smoother driving conditions and better drainage. To complete this work, BNSF requested the City to provide payment for any traffic control expenses incurred by the railroad to construct the improvements, currently estimated at $15,000. The Agreement is attached as Exhibit '1'. These costs would be eligible for federal reimbursement up to 80%.
The 2024 City Budget is anticipated to provide for sufficient funds in Account 202-4020-418.76-39 (GC083, Indian Trail Signal - Edgelawn to Highland). Approval of these funds was already approved by Council in December 2023 (R23-365), as part of the Phase 3 Construction Agreements for this project. Those agreements showed the $15,000 of railroad costs as a federally reimbursable cost.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Traffic will need to be detoured while the tracks are raised/replaced. Exact details of the closure (timeline and timeframe) are unknown at this time. Since federal funds are being used, we need to wait for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) authorization before proceeding with the work.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that the city approve this resolution.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the City of Aurora to enter into a crossing surface installation agreement with BNSF Railway Company for improvements of the crossing of Indian Trail and the BNSF Railroad.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The City of Aurora and BNSF Railway Company are interested in entering a crossing surface installation agreement regarding the crossing of Indian Trail at the BNSF Railroad; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Aurora and its residents to complete the crossing surface installation agreement of the property described above; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Aurora and its residents to execute the crossing surface installation agreement for an estimated cost of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00), with exact costs to be determined as the project is let and awarded.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the crossing surface installation agreement contemplated by this Resolution and attached to hereto as 'Exhibit 1' shall be and hereby is approved; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk shall be and hereby are authorized and directed to execute said crossing surface installation agreement on behalf of the City.