Current Phase: Design (only phase)
Percent Complete: 15%
Anticipated Completion Date: Spring 2025 (Design)

Project Description: Also known as the “South Downtown Rail Underpass Reconstruction” or “SDRUR,” this project will determine the best approach to replace two railroad bridges at the south end of downtown Colorado Springs in the future. The aging railroad bridges over South Nevada Avenue (70+ years old) and the South Tejon Street (120+ years old) are in poor condition. The project also includes replacement of a railroad bridge and the Las Vegas Street roadway bridge over Shooks Run. The project would also include related roadway, stormwater, trail, and other associated improvements.

In June 2022, the City leveraged previous engineering efforts to capture a $2.5 million federal grant under the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) FY21 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program to fund the environmental and preliminary engineering phase of the project. The local fund (PPRTA) match is $1.3 million, resulting in a total grant budget of $3.8 million. The grant also positions the project for future grant opportunities. In September 2023, the City was informed that its FY22 CRISI Grant to fund final design and construction was not awarded.

BNSF informed the City that they plan to replace the railroad bridge over Tejon St. in its existing location, with 100% BNSF funding, between April and October 2024.

Figure 30. View of RR Bridge from SB Nevada Avenue

Figure 31. View of RR Bridge from SB Tejon Street

Budget

Funding Source	Estimated Project Cost1	Obligated	Spent to Date (Actual)	Percent Spent to Date2
PPRTA	$5,050,000	$2,806,066	$2,806,066	100%
CRISI Grant3	$2,500,000	$2,578,425	$995,850	39%
Local Match	$1,300,000	$1,340,749	$517,830	39%
Total	$8,850,000	$6,725,240	$4,319,746	64%

1. Estimated project cost includes future anticipated funding authorization. Total project cost includes known work for project life-cycle phases from planning to construction completion.
2. Actual funds spent of the current obligated amount.
3. Federal grant award from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.

Highlights:

• FY21 CRISI grant-funded project for NEPA review and preliminary engineering is in progress.
• Consultant is coordinating with FRA on NEPA review, conducting desktop and field environmental review activities, and preparing technical reports ahead of FRA’s decision on class of action.
• City and consultant are conducting ongoing stakeholder outreach and public engagement activities.
• BNSF is planning to replace the railroad bridge over Tejon St in its existing location due to its condition. Design and construction of this project is funded entirely by BNSF. Construction timeline has not been determined.
• City and consultant have processed 10% review comments by UP and BNSF and are preparing for a resubmittal of the 10% plan package.