Title
Red Line Preliminary Engineering Agreement
Action
Action:
Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Norfolk Southern in an amount up to $1,241,406 to support the advancement of the Red Line Commuter Rail Project through design and engineering review.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Brent Cagle, CATS
Kelly Goforth, CATS
Brian Nadolny, CATS
Explanation
§ The CATS Red Line Commuter Rail Project is advancing into the 30 percent design and environmental phase. The project will utilize the O-Line railroad corridor that the city acquired from Norfolk Southern in 2024, which will require continued coordination with Norfolk Southern due to the project's proximity to and interaction with Norfolk Southern's active freight service and main line operations.
§ As the Red Line design advances, a formal engineering and technical review process with Norfolk Southern will be critical to ensure that proposed improvements are compatible with Norfolk Southern railroad operations, facilities, and safety requirements.
§ The proposed Preliminary Engineering (PE) Agreement will provide a framework for Norfolk Southern to perform engineering, design, and technical review activities associated with the Red Line Project, providing funding for Norfolk Southern to perform the following activities:
- Review of the existing 15 percent Red Line design: Norfolk Southern will review the project's existing 15 percent design plans and supporting technical information to identify potential conflicts, railroad requirements, operational concerns, and other issues that need to be addressed as the project advances.
- Engineering and design of improvements affecting Norfolk Southern's main line:
Norfolk Southern will perform engineering and design associated with portions of the Red Line Project that directly affects or interfaces with Norfolk Southern's active main line and railroad facilities, as documented in the 2024 Comprehensive Rail Agreement.
- Review of the 30 percent Red Line design: Once the project's 30 percent design plans are developed, Norfolk Southern will conduct an additional engineering and technical review. This review will allow Norfolk Southern to evaluate the more advanced design and identify remaining conflicts or concerns necessary to advance the project toward final design phases and construction.
§ The PE Agreement is intended to provide a coordinated process for Norfolk Southern's engineering involvement as the Red Line design progresses. The $1,241,406 authorization will allow CATS to reimburse Norfolk Southern for the engineering and technical services required under the Agreement.
§ Consistent with Section 1.01(c)(ii)(A) of the Primary Interlocal Agreement between the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) and the city dated June 22, 2026, the MPTA Executive Committee reviewed this Material Contract Action and did not request further review.
Fiscal Note
Funding: CATS Capital Investment Plan