Study shows rail cost at $1.4 billion

LOUISVILLE – After preliminary evaluations by the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway Co., the cost to complete the Northwest Rail from South Westminster Station to Longmont has increased from RTD’s 2011 estimate of $894.4 million to $1.4 billion.

The new cost is based on a 2020 completion date, although the Regional Transportation District overseeing the project expects schedule delays due to the cost increase of the line, according to Louisville-based 36 Community Solutions, a nonprofit organization. dedicated to reducing congestion and providing clean commuting options along the U.S. 36 corridor.

RTD will be meeting with stakeholders and will revise the financial plan and implementation schedule for the line.

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BNSF added elements to the project including:

Increased right-of-way for double tracking, additional set-out tracks (sidings) and sound walls.

Increased cost of environmental mitigation and utility relocation.

Upfront charge for operations and maintenance costs.

BNSF also evaluated two operating scenarios: one with all-day service and the other with peak-hour only service. The estimate RTD received from BNSF was for all-day service and RTD is committed to this service.