West Railroad Update

Project ID: 
Not Started
Project Type:
Streets and Roadways
Project Status: 
Under Review

This project has been in discussion with Public Works, City Council and Mayor for a number of years to discuss the funding for streets/roadways, infrastructure, and services that would need to be replaced and extended for future development.  Below is a timeline of discussions regarding West Railroad;

October 30, 2018     Council Workshop     Council Issues

  • Resolution No. R18-66   Authorizing the Mayor to issue a formal written request to the Montana Department of Transportation requesting use of Urban Funds for the identified priority project located within the City of Laurel and Yellowstone County. (dated 09/18/2018)
  • Resolution No. R18-97     To allow issuance of a written request to the Montana Department of Transportation requesting use of Urban Funds for the identified priority project located within the City of Laurel and Yellowstone County. (dated 10/09/2018)

County has signed off on Urban Route, Letter from Yellowstone County to Statewide & Urban Planning Supervisor (MDT) attached to meeting agenda packet.

State received the submission and will be working on cost estimate.

Discussions regarding water and sewer will need to take place.  An opportunity to extend water and sewer further out on West Railroad for future development.  Mayor Nelson working to explore options to extend services out to the new interchange and be ready for new businesses to come in.

Status Updates

January 22, 2019     Public Works

State had reviewed the joint County/City of Laurel request and materials submitted to place West Railroad Street on the list of State projects.  State could not proceed with the project until the City proved it had the match funding for the project as it was submitted.

State recommended changing the scope of the project and either replacing Railroad Street from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue or 5th Avenue to 8th Avenue.  State also looking at improving West Railroad to "Urban Standards", which meant dealing with underground utilities, which were more extensive.

 

January 21, 2020     Council Workshop     Council Issues

KLJ working on Task Order to study and prepare final report for the City as to how to get West Railroad built.

Items to consider:  

  • right-of-way and ownership survey
  • topographic map
  • utility mapping
  • prepare base drawings
  • water and sanitary sewer review
  • storm drainage analysis (no storm drains in the area)
  • bridge replacement analysis
  • neighborhood intersection analysis
  • railroad crossing analysis

Trying to keep moving this forward and engage the State and make a project where there might be local match funding.

Mayor would like to see that this is a designated truck route from the State as well.  This due to the truck traffic that chooses not to travel under the underpass, due to 13 feet-3 inch height restriction.

 

August 4, 2020     Council Workshop     Council Issues

Challenging aspect of this project will be stormwater.  All the streets on the South side need to be rebuilt, all infrastructure will need to be replaced.

Discussion about putting in a lift station to address stormwater from West Railroad Street.

City is looking for funding options for the gap.

 

June 15, 2021     Council Workshop     Council Issues

City currently working on Southside Storm Water project.

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