(The following story by Diane Wetzel appeared on The North Platte Telegraph website on July 17.)
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Pristine white concrete panels reflect the hot July sun as the walls of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center begins to slowly rise above the Union Pacific Railroad’s Bailey Yard.
After 10 years of steering committees, designs and re-designs, controversy and lawsuits, the long-anticipated project to promote the world’s largest railroad switching yard is taking shape.
“Construction crews have laid out a frame of where the building will be located,” said Golden Spike board chairwoman DiAnn Kolkman. “They have begun to erect the inner concrete panels that will enclose the elevator. When that is complete, they will begin to erect the exterior walls.”
A crane with a 160-foot boom moved the first section of 28-foot tall concrete section into place last week.
“The Tower should go up fairly quickly,” Kolkman said. “The concrete panels were pre-poured in Omaha and brought into the site.”
The 87 pre-cast panels that will comprise the entire 100-foot high Tower should be completed in 45 days, barring any unexpected complications.
Crews have completed work on the foundation of the Visitors Center, which will resemble a historic train depot.
The project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2008.
While the project won’t be completed in time for the first Rail Fest celebration scheduled for Sept. 22-23, Kolkman said the Golden Spike board is anticipating being a part of the event in the future.
Original Town Association has organized Rail Fest as a way to celebrate the U.P.’s contribution to the community and raise funds for improvements on the city’s north side. Rail Fest organizers expect the inaugural event to draw at least 5,000 railroad employees, retirees, and enthusiasts.
“Rail Fest is an exciting event,” Kolkman said. “Hopefully by next year, the Golden Spike can be part of the celebration.”