Sidings Weekly Update #2

22 April 2004

 

 

NOT ALL SCHEDULED; NEEDS TO BE

 

To date, we have completed 0 of the 4 sidings tentatively planned for 2004.  Of the four sidings, only Tracy has been scheduled.  As of now, we need to focus on getting the planning and scheduling finalized.  Tracy’s original completion date was projected for June, but moved up to May 15 due to accelerated commitments and needs.  We are on schedule for the May 15 completion date.  The other three sidings have not been scheduled.  Generically, we have assumed they would not be done until the end of the year, though it is hoped they might be accomplished by late 3rd quarter.  The Florence siding is still awaiting conclusion of the cost sharing agreement with BNSF.  The Cobden siding has been approved.

 

¨       Sub grade is 100% complete and the track is 60% complete

¨       The Tracy Siding was started March 22, 2004

¨       Delivery of the east main line switch has been moved up to next week from May 1st.  Installation is expected on April 29th  or 30th.  At that time we will begin to surface the side track.  The crossovers from the pass to the mainline, which will be installed west of sale barn road and east of the east lead for yard accessibility without teeing up the pass, will be installed after the new siding is in service. When this is complete, the new pass will be the extension plus track 1 in the yard. The current pass, which is track 4, will be a long storage track.

¨       Date of service to be May 15, 2004.

 

¨       The Cobden siding has just recently been approved as far as need by transportation and engineering.

¨       Final Cobden AFE was finalized and signed April 19

¨       Complete construction will take 180 days.  It is expected that the siding will be operational in October. Detailed schedules to be included in future updates.

¨       Doing final engineering and lining up sub grade contractor as this update becomes finalized

 

¨       The Manchester siding is undergoing further scrutiny by the transportation and engineering managers to better define need pending the outcome of the Florence interchange and other matters.  That decision will be made by April 30, 2004