Thanks to Deb Lonsdorf for posting this.
- Three weeks ago, a piece of debris fell from the bridge on to the tracks below. While it caused no damage, the Borough did request a copy of the last inspection report (which was from 2020), confirmed that another official inspection will be done on August 2021, and this week had the Borough Engineer do their own inspection of the bridge. Based on the results of these inspections, the bridge will continue to remain open to pedestrian traffic and no netting will be installed under the bridge (which would be a cost of $113,000 that the Borough could not get funded via grants). At this time, it is expected the bridge will remain safe for pedestrians above and train traffic below until the construction project can begin.
- The Engineer for the Borough (Pennoni) needs to submit a revised set of plans to PennDOT/Amtrak for the bridge design based on comments previously received by PennDOT/Amtrak. I am meeting with Pennoni on July 6th to get an expected completion date for this task.
- The Borough needs to obtain an easement from a private property owner. In order to complete this staff, a title page for the plan sheet needs to be signed by the Borough Engineer, other staff, and Borough officials. Council will then either have to come to agreement with the owner on an easement agreement (which discussions have been ongoing) or initiate the condemnation process on the property.
- The Borough needs to obtain an easement from Amtrak. Amtrak has asked the Borough for a $118,100 (the last update incorrectly stated this as $113,000) fee, which staff confirmed is eligible for grant funding to pay 95% of the cost of (PennDOT needs a copy of the appraisal that determined the cost of this easement in order to help pay for it). In addition, Amtrak has asked the Borough to provide liability insurance in excess of what the Borough has. It is understood that today the Borough Solicitor has reached out to Amtrak to resolve this easement.
- The Pennsylvania Utility Commission has to approve the project. The required submissions for that have been made, and it is under review. I will follow up with the Borough Engineer for an expected completion date for this task at our July 6th meeting.
- Various utilities on the bridge need to be relocated, notably a PECO gas line. I will get more information from the Borough Engineer on the status of this on July 6th.
- Once the previous items are resolved, the Borough will have to hold a public meeting, and a final vote to begin construction.
- Borough Council will also need to hire a construction inspector for the project.
- After that, Amtrak has to allocate funding for the project. The Borough will be working with our federal elected officials to try and get this funding in place as soon as possible.
- Once construction begins, it is estimated to take 18-24 months. I was warned that the first six months will show little progress due to the nature of this job, and will then move forward much more quickly.
- The Borough will have to pay the full amount of any construction invoices received, and will then apply for reimbursement from PennDOT and Amtrak. The Borough will need to ensure it has adequate access to cash reserves and/or debt facilities to sustain the cash flow needed, which I will look into. I’ve begun discussions with various area banks and a consultant about this funding.
- In addition, Borough Council will need to select a new piece of art, and coordinate timing of its creation so that it isn’t in storage for too long, but that it’s also ready in time for the contractor to install it. The Infrastructure Committee is currently discussing this matter.
As noted previously, this project is of the utmost importance to the Borough. Please feel free to contact me directly at 610-206-3341 or sbryant@narberthpa.gov with any questions.
Samantha Bryant, Narberth Borough Manager