Council approves BNSF surface-installation agreement for three downtown crossings amid cost uncertainty
September 15, 2025 | Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
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The Waxahachie City Council on Monday approved a surface-installation agreement with BNSF Railway for pedestrian crossings at three downtown locations: South Roger Street (both sides), College Street (drainage/culvert work north of the tracks) and Flat Street (west-side sidewalk crossing).
City staff presented the project as the result of long-term efforts to provide concrete panel crossings at the railroad tracks. Staff said the BNSF-provided estimate for surface installation is $270,838; that figure is an estimate provided by BNSF after consulting its contractors and staff and is not a guaranteed final price. Staff said the city will pay BNSF for work within the railroad right-of-way and then complete sidewalk connections and drainage on the city side after BNSF work is finished.
Council asked about cost-control measures and whether the city would prioritize certain crossings if the final price exceeds the estimate. Staff responded that the capital-street fund could be used for payment and suggested Flat Street as the lowest-priority crossing if the council wished to trim the scope in the event of higher-than-expected bids. Staff also noted that certain work (e.g., man-hours and flagging) are the biggest cost variables.
Why it matters: The project creates safer pedestrian crossings over railroad tracks in the downtown core and includes drainage improvements on College Street.
Formal action: Council moved to approve the BNSF surface-installation agreement for South Roger Street, College Street and Flat Street and authorized the interim city manager to execute necessary documents; the motion carried.
Implementation notes: Staff will coordinate with BNSF during contractor mobilization, seek itemized price details as each crossing is scheduled, and bring back council input if final prices exceed budgeted authority.
City staff presented the project as the result of long-term efforts to provide concrete panel crossings at the railroad tracks. Staff said the BNSF-provided estimate for surface installation is $270,838; that figure is an estimate provided by BNSF after consulting its contractors and staff and is not a guaranteed final price. Staff said the city will pay BNSF for work within the railroad right-of-way and then complete sidewalk connections and drainage on the city side after BNSF work is finished.
Council asked about cost-control measures and whether the city would prioritize certain crossings if the final price exceeds the estimate. Staff responded that the capital-street fund could be used for payment and suggested Flat Street as the lowest-priority crossing if the council wished to trim the scope in the event of higher-than-expected bids. Staff also noted that certain work (e.g., man-hours and flagging) are the biggest cost variables.
Why it matters: The project creates safer pedestrian crossings over railroad tracks in the downtown core and includes drainage improvements on College Street.
Formal action: Council moved to approve the BNSF surface-installation agreement for South Roger Street, College Street and Flat Street and authorized the interim city manager to execute necessary documents; the motion carried.
Implementation notes: Staff will coordinate with BNSF during contractor mobilization, seek itemized price details as each crossing is scheduled, and bring back council input if final prices exceed budgeted authority.
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