Denver Approves $493,148.60 Rail Crossing Improvements

Strategic Insights -

The City and County of Denver's application for authorization to install new curb and gutter, new sidewalk, and new pedestrian detectable warning surfaces on all four quadrants of the railroad crossing at 51st Avenue with the BNSF Railway Company tracks has been deemed complete and granted by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado. The improvements are aimed at enhancing safety and reducing hazards at the crossing, which has seen hazardous crossing activity due to its moderately deficient roadway profile. The estimated cost of the project is $493,148.60, with 30% funded through Federal Highway Administration Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant funds and 70% through Denver bond funds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado has deemed the City and County of Denver's application for rail crossing improvements complete.
  • The application was granted, allowing Denver to proceed with the installation of new curb and gutter, new sidewalk, new pedestrian detectable warning surfaces on all four quadrants of the railroad crossing.
  • The project's estimated cost is $493,148.60, with 30% funded through Federal Highway Administration Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant funds and 70% through Denver bond funds.
  • The project will enhance safety and reduce hazards at the crossing, which has seen hazardous crossing activity due to its moderately deficient roadway profile.
  • The posted speed limit at the crossing is 25 miles per hour, and there is currently one train per week that uses the crossing at a maximum timetable speed of 10 MPH.
  • The project is expected to start on August 1, 2025, and be completed by January 30, 2027.
  • Denver and BNSF will be required to update the US DOT Crossing Inventory Form for the crossing by January 30, 2027.
  • The Commission retains jurisdiction to enter further decisions as necessary.
  • The 20-day period provided for filing an Application for Rehearing, Reargument, or Reconsideration begins on the first day following the effective date of this Decision.
  • The Commission has jurisdiction in this matter under SSS 40-4-106(2)(a) and (3)(a), C.R.S.

Statistics:

  • Estimated project cost: $493,148.60
  • Federal funding allocation: 30%
  • Denver bond funds: 70%
  • Projected 5-year traffic volume: 2,985 VPD
  • Projected 20-year traffic volume: 3,758 VPD
  • Current traffic volume: 2,643 VPD
  • Estimated project duration: August 1, 2025, to January 30, 2027

Sources:

  • Decision No. C24-0915, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, December 17, 2024
  • C.R.S. 40-4-106
  • C.R.S. 40-6-109.5
  • C.R.S. 40-6-114
  • Code of Colorado Regulations 723-1, Rule 1403