Sidings Weekly Update #3

29 April 2004

 

SCHEDULES FIRMING, BUT NOT COMPLETED

 

As of 29 April, we have completed 0 of the 4 sidings tentatively planned for 2004. 

 

1. We have scheduled Cobden siding construction to begin on April 27, with a tentative expected completion date of by mid-October.  We are awaiting some east-end dirt work estimates, at which time a specific completion date will be scheduled (expected to be included in next week’s report).

¨       Final Cobden AFE was finalized and signed April 19

¨       The sub grad contractor has been selected, Mathiowitz construction out of Sleep Eye Minnesota, and this sub grade work was started on Tuesday the 27th

 

2. The Tracy siding is ahead of its scheduled May 15 completion date.

¨       Sub grade is 100% complete and the track is 75% complete

¨       The Tracy Siding was started March 22, 2004

¨       The East main line switch was delivered on Monday the 26th, a week earlier than previously scheduled.  Installation of the east switch was completed on Wednesday the 28th. We expect a ballast train to unload on the 5500 foot of this siding that is complete on Friday the 30th.

¨       Expect to install the crossing at Sale Barn Road on next Tuesday or Wednesday the 4th or 5th  and hook up the remainder of the siding at that time. Will then unload another ballast train and surface this track and try to get this siding in service next Friday the 7th, 8 days ahead of schedule.

¨       We expect to install the crossovers later in the month to complete the project, but the new pass will be usable without the crossovers being installed. 

 

3. The negotiations on the Florence siding appeared to make better progress this past week, but still awaiting a final agreement with BNSF before we can commit.

 

4. The internal discussions regarding the Manchester siding are leaning toward not building it if Florence happens.  Instead, we are looking at other alternatives, including extending De Smet and Elkton.  Any ideas or suggestions from the field as to other potential siding locations (extensions or new sidings) would be much appreciated.  Operational needs are the primary consideration.  Suggestions should be directed to Dick Awe or Steve Scharnweber.