Logo of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority with the tagline Promises Made, Promises Kept

Contact Us

719-471-7080

City of Colorado Springs 2024 Third Quarter Report – PPRTA II – UPRR Nevada & Tejon Street Crossing Reconstruction (Design Only)

Return to Table of Contents
A project status bar showing an arrow between the concept design and 30 percent engineering stages for the Union Pacific Railroad Nevada and Tejon Street Crossing Reconstruction

Current Phase: Design (only phase)
Percent Complete: 15%
Anticipated Completion Date: Spring 2026 (Design)

Project Description: Also known as the “South Downtown Rail Underpass Reconstruction” or “SDRUR,” this project aims to address safety and operational issues along the rail corridor and improve transportation connectivity for all travel modes in the south downtown area. The project would replace two aging railroad bridges in poor condition that span over South Nevada Avenue (70+ years old) and over South Tejon Street (120+ years old). The project also includes replacement of a railroad bridge and the Las Vegas Street roadway bridge over Shooks Run along with associated roadway, stormwater, and trail improvements.

The project is funded through a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant that leverages $2.5 million federal funding along with $1.3 million of local PPRTA matching funding for a $3.8 million budget to perform environmental review and preliminary engineering. This project phase builds upon the PPRTA-funded Alternatives Evaluation Study (2018-2020). The objective of this phase of the project is to secure environmental clearance, prepare preliminary engineering design, and position the project for future funding opportunities.

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. BNSF has indicated that the project is delayed, and that the new construction schedule has not been determined.

Figure 28. View of RR Bridge from NB Tejon Street.

A street-level photo of the railroad bridge going over Tejon Street

Figure 29. View of RR Bridge over Shooks Run.

A railroad-level view of the railroad bridge going over Shooks Run

Budget

Funding SourceEstimated Project Cost1ObligatedSpent to Date (Actual)Percent Spent to Date2
PPRTA$5,050,000$2,806,220$2,806,2200%
CRISI Grant3$2,500,000$2,599,276$1,091,62642%
Local Match$1,300,000$1,351,592$567,63242%
Total$8,850,000$6,757,088$4,465,47866%
  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 and formal start to the NEPA process, expected in late 2024.
  • City and consultants 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. The design and construction of this project is funded entirely by BNSF. Construction timeline has not been determined.
  • City and consultants have processed 10% review comments by UP and BNSF and are preparing for a resubmittal of the 10% plan package.