Shattuck BNSF Railroad Bridge and Undercrossing Project
PROJECT SCOPE AND PURPOSE:
In 2008, the BNSF Railway Company, with cooperation from the City of Renton, completed the replacement of the railroad bridge over Shattuck Avenue South along with three other railroad bridges in Renton. The City of Renton is now working on a project to restore the crossing and complete other enhancements, including infrastructure improvements, major drainage improvements for surface water management, other utility upgrades, and the installation of a “sacrificial beam” and driver warning system that will help protect the new bridge. The crossing under the bridge will remain closed during construction. The project is anticipated to be completed in four months.
The installation of new stormwater pipe will reduce flooding on Rainier Avenue. The installation of a “sacrificial beam” will protect the bridge from damage from over-height vehicles. When opened to traffic and pedestrians, the undercrossing will be wider than the prior structure, allowing one new lane in each direction and a new sidewalk under the eastern span of the structure.
This project is an initial phase for Renton's Rainier Avenue South Improvements Project which would add Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes to Rainier Avenue South, add left turn lanes at intersections, widen sidewalks with street landscaping, add pedestrian scale lighting and landscaped median barriers.
PROJECT TIMELINE:
Shattuck Avenue will begin construction in September 2009. Prior to opening the road to vehicles, the City of Renton is required to first obtain a crossing permit from BNSF for the installation of the sacrificial beam. The anticipated schedule is as follows:
Engineering Design - completed by December 2008
Permitting - completed by March 2009
Utility Relocation - starting spring 2009
Construction - fall 2009
Open to traffic - January 2010
FUNDING:
This phase of the project will cost about $2 million. It is completely funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
FUTURE NOTIFICATIONS:
o The City of Renton will maintain the project status on the City’s web site, http://rentonwa.gov
o The City of Renton will e-mail or mail updates on significant project developments. To receive these updates, please send an e-mail or letter to Derek Akesson at dakesson@rentonwa.gov.