News Flash

Railroad crossing improvements are ahead for the 7^th Street NW rail crossing in Sioux Center.

City staff has secured an agreement with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad to repair the 7^th Street NW railroad crossing. BNSF has not given the City a timeframe for the planned improvements to the roadway where it crosses the railroad tracks. The City Council approved the agreement this week.

BNSF is asking that the City pay part of the cost of improving the roadway at the rail crossing, amounting to $49,477. Sioux County may share those costs with the City as 7^th Street also serves as county road B-40. In addition, the City will pay for the asphalt and concrete replacement leading up to the crossing on both sides of it, estimated at $26,520.

The council also approved securing an additional agreement with BNSF on creating a pedestrian crossing at this same railroad crossing on 7^th Street. City staff is still working to get a final agreement for this pedestrian crossing work from BNSF. City staff said it is important to get an accessible pedestrian crossing in place. Assistant Utilities Manager Adam Fedders said he estimates the pedestrian crossing work would cost an additional $27,081.

The City is working with the Iowa Department of Transportation and BNSF to secure funding for crossing improvements for 3^rd Street, 4^th Street, and 20^th Street in Sioux Center.